Black Spade and Coultrain separately have the respect of music lovers worldwide on their own merits for pushin’ their brand of future funk and progressive soul. But together as the Hawthorne Headhunters, they push their individual visions into a whole new level. Down to a duo after former members Proh Mic and I, Ced decided to pursue solo careers, the Headhunters released a five song EP last week that features a variety of sounds while staying true to the forward thinking duo’s modus operandi.

The first single, “If You Were My Baby,” features trademark Black Spade synths and ends with Coultrain’s spoken verse dedicated to the special lady in his life, while the uptempo “Hole in the World” explores more existential social issues over a frantic electro beat. Fellow St Louisians Rockwell Knuckles and Tef Poe join the party on “Collage,” providing an aggressive contrast to the laidback soulsters over a bouncy backdrop.

If you’re not familiar with Spade’s To Serve With Love and Build and Destroy or Coultrain’s The Adventures of Seymour Liberty, that is an issue you ought to take care of as soon as humanly possible. In the meantime, you can start with this EP and work backwards. Stream below (and download “If You Were My Baby”) and support through iTunes if you are so inclined.

Hawthorne Headhunters – EP by Plug Research