Leon Thomas Blends Soul, Funk, and Rock on His Experimental ‘PHOLKS’ Project

Leon Thomas is proving once again that his artistry can’t be boxed in. After making waves with his hit “MUTT” and the deluxe, HEEL, Thomas has dropped his latest project, PHOLKS, a seven-track EP that blurs the lines between R&B, psychedelic funk and rock.

The body of work kicks off with the single “Just How You Are,” a groove-heavy opener that channels vintage instrumentation and synth-laden swagger. Thomas weaves in lines like “I was f****n’ vixens way before the fame / Givin’ models X before Tesla came” over drums that stomp and guitars that bite — it’s bold, energetic and immediately signals that Thomas is in his element.

Across songs such as “My Muse” and “Baccarat,” Thomas dives into lyrical terrain about affection, longing and self-reflection. On “My Muse,” he croons:

“‘Cause you’re not my girl, but you’re still my muse / Make me wanna get my money up and spend it on you.”

Meanwhile “Baccarat” layers live instrumentation with themes of risk, desire and emotional wager. The overall effect: this EP feels more like a sonic journey than just another R&B drop.

What lifts PHOLKS above many peer releases is Thomas’ willingness to experiment. His vocals at times merge into the instrumentation rather than dominate it — on tracks like “Trapped” and “Baccarat,” you’ll find yourself not just listening to lyrics but feeling the textures of sound. Some listeners might find the approach slightly off-beat — he’s not always giving clean, radio-friendly hooks. But that’s arguably part of the appeal. He’s carving space for something distinct.

It’s also clear the EP was built with live performance in mind. Thomas recently announced his Mutts Don’t Heel Tour, set to kick off late October and stretch across North America and Europe. The instrumentation, the groove, the stadium-ready energy — all suggest this is more than a recorded project; it’s a blueprint for stage-takeover.

If there’s a critique, it’s that because Thomas is exploring so many influences — rock, funk, soul, psychedelic textures — some of the cohesion can feel stretched. For listeners expecting straight R&B or familiar hit-structures, PHOLKS may feel less immediate in spots. However, for those willing to lean into the journey, the payoff is strong.

Ultimately, PHOLKS reaffirms Leon Thomas not only as a talent behind hit songs but as an artist unafraid to experiment, challenge conventions and build his own lane. This EP isn’t just the next release — it’s a statement: Thomas is expanding his musical universe, and inviting us to come along.