Dumhi and MicheleQJ’s Fermented Spirits project will raise money for food banks and bail funds this week

Endlessly creative Philadelphia beatmaker and producer Dumhi has recently dusted off his 2008 project Fermented Spirits, a collaboration with Philly vocalist and multi-instrumentalist MicheleQJ.

These days, the singer is mostly known for fronting local soul ensemble Adornment, though they’ve often appeared in projects like Champion Southpaw and People’s Mural; Dumhi has, over the years, worked with a host of local and national MCs like Reef the Lost Cauze, Ethel Cee, Euclid, and Satti. Their first collaboration, Demystification, was recently re-released on Bandcamp.

Where Fermented Spirits’ 2008 team-up had a psychedelic mixtape vibe, with a host of guests dipping in and out, the new Like Minds EP is a pristine, poppy collection of focused, shimmering R&B and soul rock that brings to mind a range of artists from The Spinners to Anderson .Paak.

The intro title track glides over phasing synthesizers and brushstroke drums as MicheleQJ offers “sweet thoughts for the summer” in a smoky Bobby Womack-esque delivery. The mellow boom-bap of “Relax” is an ode to going on a drive, listening to music; “Spinnin'” is a classic TSOP-style bop with an earworm hook. Later, we hear deep funk wah-wah tones on “Mindful,” and askew steel drum arrangements on “Water Ice,” which celebrates a particularly Philly treat for hot days.

It’s a bit of a carefree project, but Dumhi and MicheleQJ are taking a serious approach to the latest from Fermented Spirits as well. Money from the first week of release will be forwarded to local food banks and organizations dedicated to supporting our communities during COVID19, according to Bandcamp, and Dumhi tells us that anything earned in the second week of release will go to the Philadelphia Bail Fund.

Listen to Like Minds below and grab a pay-what-you-wish download at Bandcamp.