Silky Steps is a band from Estonia, originally formed in 2014. They released their first LP, The One, in 2017, and they’ve been growing in reputation since that time as more and more people discover their taste for funk and disco. Now they’ve signed to Funk Embassy Records to deliver their second LP, Universal Language.

Silky Steps is a five piece band, consisting of Ivo Leesar on guitar, keys, and vocals, Lisann Aljaste on keys and vocals, Karl Birnbaum on bass, Siim Siimer on guitar, and Mattis Kirsipuu on drums. When you listen to the opening track on Universal Language, simply titled “Music,” it will become clear very quickly that this isn’t just a collection of five musicians – this is a tight ensemble who have been practicing and playing live extensively since their first album. You will know this because the grooves on this album are just undeniable, and the musicianship is just top notch. Blending together funk, disco, and R&B, with a touch of hip hop for good measure, the band can claim influences like Chic, Prince, and Kool and the Gang, but they’ve also updated those influences and given their own personal twist on them as they go into Universal Language. They’re not reinventing the wheel here, they are just delivering some of the best modern danceable funk and R&B. Really, when it feels this good and just demands that you get up and dance, who cares? This album is all about a feeling that comes from five musicians coming together over a love of the groove and just delivering a good time that will have your body moving before you can even process your intellectual thoughts about the music. When you add in some guest appearances from MC Roki, Rahel, and Robert Linna, it just takes that good time over the top, where it feels like the party is never going to end. The good news is that there is enough variety and great funk across this album that when it does come to an end, you can just go back to track one and start from the top all over again.

Universal Language is a big step forward from Silky Steps. You may not be aware of any Estonian funk music before listening to this album, but this album is so good and just that damn enjoyable, you’ll be running to learn more. This album will make the perfect soundtrack to all of your sweaty dancefloors this summer.