Smokey & Miho - 5 Song (Ep) (CD)

All Music Guide

Smokey Miho are magnetic on their self-titled EP, making for an impressive debut. Bird-like chanteuse Miho Hatori charms her way throughout the five-song selection and multi-instrumentalist Smokey Hormel provides a captivating mix of Latin jazz, worldbeat, and indie pop. The sun-kissed jazz number "Summer Rain" features Hatori singing in Japanese, while smooth percussion and horn arrangements coyly twist around in "Blue Glasses." Smokey Miho initially came together because of their admiration for '60s jazz, and it serves as a template for their sophisticated indie sound. But Smokey Miho aren't excessive in creating their own stylish jazz, either. "Ocean In Your Eyes," which was featured in the sexy thriller Y Tu Mama Tambien is a testament to that. Jazz and electronic bits make the Smokey Miho EP, as a whole, a fashionably cool effort.

- MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide