Hiatus Kaiyote is a lightning strike at the intersection of a jumble of influences: jazz fusion, art pop, nu soul and left field hip-hop beatcraft. Only together as a band since 2011, they’re making the world take notice of what’s going on in their homebase of Melbourne, Australia. Their work is exciting, challenging, warm and sophisticated. If I were to put on my music journo hat, I’d say they sound like Tori Amos getting high with J Dilla while sitting in at a Dwight Trible jam session.

Hiatus Kaiyote‘s first SXSW appearance and current U.S. tour is following up breathless anticipation with critical acclaim. Here is fan fave “Nakamarra” presented as an introduction before their DC show tonight along with a bonus live vid of “Jekyll” where the band flexes their jazz chops.