Nearly a decade after their inception, Humbalaya has crafted their most polished and evocative work yet with Fully Furnished. The Washington, D.C.-based band, known for their signature blend of funk, rock, and jazz-fusion, delivers an album that feels like an inviting living room—equal parts comfortable and electric, offering a listening experience that’s as dynamic as their live shows. 

From Union Stage to Pearl Street Warehouse and beyond, Humbalaya has built a reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic live acts, sharing stages with the likes of Thumpasaurus and Will Wood and the Tapeworms. The band’s current lineup is a powerhouse ensemble, featuring Cybele Mayes-Osterman on vocals, Connor Milam on percussion, Pete Meyers on drums, Jack Cantili on bass, Teddy Vossler on guitar, Michael Schwartz on tenor sax, and Brandon Mediate on keyboards. While many of these songs have graced DMV venues over the past two years, Fully Furnished is the first time fans will experience them with Cybele’s jazzy, magnetic vocals at the forefront of Humbalaya’s recorded music—a change that elevates their sound to new heights. As the band’s keyboardist and primary songwriter Brandon Mediate puts it, “The vocals tend to be the first thing people notice, and we’re extremely lucky to have Cybele leading us.”

The album opens with “Cold Cut,” a slinky groove that intertwines Cybele’s jazzy vocals with a harmonious synth and sax melody. Teddy Vossler’s guitar solo pairs perfectly with Brandon’s electric piano, making it a standout track. “The Escape” is an instrumental odyssey and one of the band’s proudest moments, featuring a soaring saxophone melody from Michael Schwartz, intricate piano underpinnings, a punchy guitar solo, and exceptional bongo work from Connor Milam. According to Brandon, “Recording this song was a bit more daunting than the others, but it was both playful and organized—both to the right degree.”

“Right Back At It” brings a funky, upbeat energy with Cybele’s sassy vocal stylings front and center, while “Roulette”, the album’s second single, begins with a tension-building instrumental riff that releases into Cybele’s ethereal vocals. The soulful sax solo and climactic melodic ending make this track a must-listen. “Sleep Less,” the album’s first single, showcases the band’s soulful side with a jazzy shuffle feel and another standout sax solo from Michael. “Static Memory” highlights Connor’s driving percussion and Teddy’s funky, wah-wah-laden guitar riffs. Cybele’s powerful vocals shine once again, while Brandon’s virtuosic synth solo takes the track to dazzling heights.

The album closes with “Time Ain’t on My Side,” a swinging ballad that expertly balances the interplay between jazzy-funk rock instrumentals and Cybele’s distinct vocal style. The song’s peaking crescendos, guided by Brandon’s driving piano solo, evoke the emotional heights of a Tedeschi Trucks Band jam session.

Recorded at The Classroom in Hyattsville, MD, and mixed by Ananth Batni and mastered by Brady O’Keefe, Fully Furnished is a testament to Humbalaya’s evolution since their 2015 beginnings at the University of Maryland. With members Brandon, Jack, and Connor anchoring the band through lineup changes, this release solidifies their place in the DMV music scene.