Few debut projects arrive with the confidence and cohesion of DEVIATE, the first EP from Los Angeles-based duo KWONIX.
Formed by Kwo and Unïx, the pair sidestep convention across five tracks, bringing together soul, hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk and R&B into a fluid sound that resists easy categorisation, brings some beautiful musical depth but manages to retain an accessibility.
Rather than settling into one stylistic lane, DEVIATE thrives on movement. Opening cut ‘Wading’ leans into the hip-hop side of the duos sound with tight rap flow over warming grooves and a reflective atmosphere that gradually unfolds through layers of vocal cuts and a compelling bass and drum loop. The mood soon brightens with ‘So Obvyus’, an infectious disco-infused offering driven by buoyant rhythms, shimmering production and an irresistible falsetto performance.
The project’s willingness to shift direction is one of its greatest strengths. ‘Everything I Need’ leans into soulful melodies and dreamy keyboard textures before giving way to ‘IKNOWYULUHME’, where the duo embrace a looser, more energetic approach built around fluid arrangements and adventurous musicianship. Closing number ‘FULL SPEED’ brings everything together in emphatic fashion, marrying soaring vocals with intricate keyboard work, syncopated rhythms, layered harmonies and delicate flute flourishes to deliver a richly satisfying finale.
Discussing the release, Kwo explains, “Creating alongside Kwo has scratched the corners of my brain in the most beautifully indelible way that only good music and genuine connection can. After writing and producing over 13 songs , going through several title changes, recording awkward tik tok videos, and randomly becoming LA neighbors, Deviate was born. It’s insane to say that all of this began with a FaceTime studio session between strangers across the country. The lyrics on this project are some of my favorite words said and heard. I wrote these songs as an antidote to the many obstacles I was going through while we were creating together. My only hope is that what we created will affect people as much as it has affected us in the process of creating it.”
KWONIX’s beginnings are almost as unconventional as the music they make. Kwo and Richmond, Virginia native Unïx first connected online in 2023, discovering an immediate creative spark during a FaceTime writing session despite living on opposite sides of the country. That long-distance collaboration quickly developed into a fully realised partnership, eventually bringing the two artists together in Los Angeles, where DEVIATE took shape.
The duo’s contrasting influences are central to their sound. Unïx’s expressive vocal delivery has drawn comparisons to Anderson .Paak, Durand Bernarr and Moses Sumney, while Kwo’s sophisticated harmonic sensibilities and jazz-inflected arrangements owe much to the enduring influence of Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. Together, they’ve forged a musical identity that feels distinctive without losing sight of the traditions that inspired it.
With DEVIATE, KWONIX introduce themselves as artists who value instinct over convention. Blending technical finesse with emotional honesty, the EP serves as an assured opening statement from a duo whose creative partnership appears to be only just getting started.
