Album Review - “Pholks” by Leon Thomas

In the world of Music, it is a beautiful but rare occurrence when an artist is so clearly performing at the peak of their powers, whether it is DMX in 1998, GloRilla in 2024, or, as we are currently experiencing, Leon Thomas now. For his latest EP, Pholks, the former Nickelodeon star once again proves that he is the bread and butter that R&B has long been missing in a genre chalked with talent. 

Anyone that has followed Leon Thomas career since his days on August Rush in 2007 will tell you that has success was never a matter of how, but when, so with this latest project in Pholks, to experience the quality of each song should come as no surprise, but instead, it should be an indication that the rest of the genre is perhaps more steps behind that we initially believed, as every song is layered with brilliance, smooth writing, and instrumentation that’s far beyond anything his peers are currently creating. 

Songs like “My Muse” offer tried and true funky basslines with Thomas matching each pluck note for note while sliding effortlessly across the tricky switchups orchestrated by Thomas. While only seven songs, his theme of taking musical instrumental excellence and creating something historic is consistent in this project and never lets up as the EP progresses. 

While most albums have a clear “best” song, or a universally beloved tune, that may never be the case for Pholks. You will find yourself in love with the opening high-energy “Just How You Are” or the emotionally energetic “Feel Alive,” but one thing is for certain: there will never be a wrong answer to what you feel is best. 

Leon Thomas, while venturing through traditional R&B, modernized blues and twinkles of psychedelic expression, once again delivers a modern classic with this project, and one that everyone should check out.