Chances are that if you aren’t already familiar with Olivier St. Louis as a solo artist, chances are that you’ve at least heard his contributions as a frequent collaborator with Oddisee as a guitarist and vocalist. The D.C.-born, Berlin-based musician released a handful of singles last year, but as it turns out, that was just the warmup to his new EP, Matters of the Heartless.

One of my favorite feelings in the world in when you put on a new record and it instantly feels familiar. That’s the feeling I got when I pressed play on Matters of the Heartless. One of the reasons for this is that I’ve been following St. Louis’ career for a few years now, and I know his general style. Another is that St. Louis has an excellent understanding of pop song structure and can really craft some tunes that will just stick with you long after you’re done listening. There is also the factor that St. Louis is drawing upon a wonderful lineage of soul music that goes from Curtis Mayfield to George Benson to D’Angelo and Bilal and beyond. More than anything, though, this EP will stick with you because Olivier St. Louis is simply one of the most talented and soulful artists laying down tracks right now. This EP just has grooves for days, the kind that will have you bobbing your head, moving your feet, and making some stank face. St. Louis has a fantastic tone to his voice, rich and full when singing in his lower register, sweet and vulnerable in his fantastic falsetto, and always delivered with some soulful grit to it. He also has an expert handle on the crafting of these pop songs, building around these grooves and writing lyrics and hooks that are both extremely relatable and memorable. By the second time through, you’ll be singing along and talking to the EP like you’ve always known St. Louis. It’s just got that personal touch that takes things up a notch. I’ve personally been especially obsessed with the closing track, “Don’t Quit,” from the message of the chorus that will get you pumped to just the incredibly tight groove between some crisp drum work and some stellar funk guitar.

After a little build up last year, Olivier St. Louis has delivered the goods on Matters of the Heartless. It’s soulful, funky, full of top-notch musicianship, and expert songwriting. It’s just the warm, feel-good music we need right now to carry us through the rest of the winter.