horanVi makes an impressive entrance with In Blue, their debut release that blends jazz, neo-soul, and world music influences. Built around a fluid guitar part and intricate percussive backing, the track steadily unfolds, creating space for soulful, harmonized vocals that glide effortlessly over the arrangement. Thoughtful production choices introduce spoken word samples and dynamic shifts, moving between mellow passages and fuller, groove-driven moments before culminating in a striking finish.
Written, produced, and mixed by Sam Horan, In Blue is inspired by the sea and shaped by contributions from London jazz musicians on drums and keys. horanVi originated as a collaboration between guitarist-producer Horan and vocalist Violet, both former members of jazz/neo-soul collective Kalyan. Though distance separated them for a time, their creative connection remained, leading to the development of their upcoming album.
Blurring the lines between modern jazz, alternative indie, and progressive pop, horanVi’s music is both intricate and expressive. With influences spanning from Pat Metheny and Hiatus Kaiyote to Peter Gabriel and Radiohead, their work incorporates improvisation, cinematic textures, and blues-infused vocal melodies. In Blue marks the start of an ambitious project, with more releases on the horizon.