Cautious Clay, a multi-instrumentalist known for his smooth blend of R&B and indie-pop, turns his focus to time in his latest EP, The Hours: Morning. The eight-track project follows the hours from 5 a.m. to noon, capturing the shifting moods of early morning through soulful and funk-pop sounds.
The new EP comes after Clay’s 2023 album Karpeh, a personal project named after his real name, Joshua Karpeh. His discography highlights both his instrumental talent and vocal range. Clay first gained widespread attention with his 2017 single “Cold War,” which was later featured in the film Booksmart and sampled by Taylor Swift on her 2019 song “London Boy.” His 2021 track “Wildfire” also saw major streaming success.
In The Hours: Morning, Clay gives each hour its own identity. Though the concept is simple, it allows him to explore different moods and sounds. Each track reflects a state of mind he associates with a specific time.
The EP opens with “Tokyo Lift (5 a.m.),” a soft R&B track that reflects the quiet haze of early morning. Clay’s gentle, whispered vocals paint a picture of the calm after a long night. “You’re in denial / But I’m not talking ‘bout a river,” he sings. Synths and a light flute solo add a feeling of warmth and renewal.
At 7 a.m., “Traffic” dives into relationship thoughts. “Every morning felt like traffic / Brain full of static,” Clay sings. The song builds into a rich chorus, layered with overlapping vocals: “I felt the hair on my skin / Raising when you crashed in / To me.”
By 11 a.m., the track “Amber” adds a funky bass line, signaling more energy. The final song, “Smoke Break (noon),” picks up speed, with Clay’s voice more front and center and the drums moving faster.
Even though the EP follows a time-based concept, each song stands on its own. Clay doesn’t let the theme limit him. Instead, he builds a vivid and emotional soundscape that brings the morning hours to life.
With The Hours: Morning, Cautious Clay invites listeners to experience the start of the day in a new way—full of color, feeling, and rhythm.
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