Guava Juice EP – Diza Guava & Josef Park

Diza Guava and Josef Park are at the cutting edge of Sweden’s music scene. I know I’m far from the only person to think this as Diza Guava was recently recognised for a Gaffa Award.

The bespectacled artist shook regular soundscapes with an ability to write and produce unfiltered songs with fresh lyrical structures and a seductive voice simmering with attitude. Diza draws a charming similarity to Billie Ellish – inventive and ballsy.

Bringing a fresh spin to soul and soul-hop music is Josef Park. His soulful tone softens hip hop to a buttery texture with comforting coolness, revealing an exceptional singer.

Joined in a mutual desire to develop their creative ideas, the talented pair have blended their styles in a series of Swedish sung, alternative soul/R&B singles culminating in the newly released Guava Juice EP.

The EP kicks off and ends with the duo’s ‘biggest’ Print Screen and Förgätmigej. The production by the duo on these synth-driven tracks created the recognisable sound of this partnership. In modern music flooded with tiresome similarities, it’s something to admire. A bouncy bassline, softly sung Swedish lyrics, and a woozy style keeps these tracks sounding endlessly delicious. At the time of writing, Förgätmigej had started to be played on UK radio stations…yes in SWEDISH! It’s the clearest indication of the accessibility and global appeal of their music.

Josef takes the lead with Space – a twisted soul-hop mix with rich, deep bass. A darker arrangement follows on Du & Jag. A bittersweet love story, it’s subtly underlined by luxurious strings woven beneath before arising majestically in the outro.

A wonderfully spongy bass on Kemisk Reaktion presents an inventive blend of electronic synth soul, with parts of the lyrics sung in English. And this is the only song where I wished the whole track were as it teases a complete understanding of the song’s message. Regardless, Kemisk Reaktion is a grower, and I strongly recommend giving this several dozen spins.

The Guava Juice EP delivers a satisfying glass full, which is of course the EP’s aim. Yet, perhaps by my knowing their capabilities, I somehow desired more – a lavish free bar measure! Diza, in particular, makes too few appearances. But make no mistake, there’s plenty more tasty juice coming from these two.
Enjoy, and keep your glasses ready!