Soul, in spite of its many international inspirations, has always seemed a uniquely North American genre. Here to prove that theory all wrong are MALIQ & D'Essentials, with their sound halfway between brown-eyed soul and Magical Mystery Tour, sprinkled with funky rhythmic bliss. Since 2002, the group has been making music unlike any other Indonesian group, gaining fans across Southeast Asia. Each new album promises a refreshing take on a smooth genre.