Soups and Starters is the inaugural EP from Portland-based band Step Into The Kitchen, out February 17, 2022. From opening track "Roll Out These Triangles" to closer "A Long Peak at the Script", Soups and Starters is a collection of groovy, head-nodding sonic harmonia, underpinned by a seamless mixture of dub, R&B, and psychedelic haze that drips off every track, seeping out to settle into the deep green valleys of Western Cascadia. Though clocking in at just under 12 minutes, there's a lot going on here - aforementioned "Roll Out These Triangles" is an ecstatic reggae-infused dust-up hum-along, while dub-drenched "Pan or Grittle" could be passed off as a Black Ark b-side. Standout track "Thicken and Set" is easy listening for more discerning sets of ears, and album closer "A Long Peak at the Script" pulls in rhythmic vocal incantation and mellow flute lines to induce a dreamy nod to exotic locales just beyond recognition. If you're looking to chase off some of the late winter blues, this sunshine-infused outing may be just the ticket. Get it while the oven's hot. (Reed Burnam)

Step Into The Kitchen to trip out on a spaghetti space western, thru a sepia-toned kaleidoscope world of the in-between. Sure, you can meditate on your way to a funky party, but we're blasting all the way to the outer realms today. Words escape but still voices ring out and envelope you - don't worry, it's cozy in here. We're going all the way to the edge, and oh yeah, we'll be rewarded for our efforts. Talk about a vibe shift, this latest jam from the otherworldly collective is a true perception-altering adventure, not to be taken lightly. Check your measurements and sift accordingly, this is "A Fruitful Tenure". (Bryan Bruchman)

Imagine, if you will, a hazy, dank planet of sound (not that one). Its inhabitants slither and wriggle, twisting alien instruments in obscene ways, cooking up sounds almost familiar, transformed through fractured radio waves blasting out to the cosmos. Bits of jazz and dub and blues all mutilated just a little bit - a fine ceviche of sound - cooked but only technically, right? Step Into The Kitchen have departed their world and found a fine home here on this decaying blue marble for some reason, bringing with them that tasty blend, full of grooves and flourishes to nourish our dead, hungry souls with "A Very Different Dessert." Dine with the band (metaphorically, of course) and this debut single as it's served up in February 2022, available from your lovely hosts at Ten Dollar Recording Co., with a more extensive menu of delights on the way soon. (Bryan Bruchman)

The latest single from Portland-based band Step Into The Kitchen, "The Cream of Portland's Gourmet Set" conjures a euphoric glow with its ethereal vocal layers and vibrant instrumentation. Bright mandolins converge with trickling guitars for a soundscape fit for blue ocean waters and swaying hammocks. The track's first half struts a summery glistening, while a haunting twist past the two-minute mark lends a psych-forward mystique. The vocals assume a lusher, nocturnal tone as the track progresses, complemented by a sturdy acoustical backbone that finishes into a seamless conclusion.

The band is part of Portland-based label Ten Dollar Recording Co., whose close-knit roster boasts ample intrigue in their riveting stylistic pursuits of psychedelia, soul, rock, freak-folk, and experiments beyond. (Mike Mineo)