Rising neo-soul trio Hablot Brown has just kicked off their upcoming EP with the irrefutable jam that is “Ain’t No Secret.” Fresh off of their performance at our monthly Baño Flaco showcase and the release of Soulection Black Label: Hablot Brown, Soulection’s first-ever Black Label release, the trio returns with their characteristic grooves, while still finding the space to push their sound forward.

Comprised of Linus Lester-Hodges and brothers Austin and John Brown, the band met during a summer music program at Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 2015. While Linus Lester-Hodges grew up in Singapore and the Brown brothers in Massachusetts, the three continued to hone their sound for the next couple of years, eventually releasing music under the moniker “Hablot Brown” in 2017.

While they sit in a crowded field of many other neo-soul hopefuls, what sets Hablot Brown apart is the consistent polish that is present across all of their work. “Ain’t No Secret” stands as a perfect example of that notion. It’s smooth and confident, marked by carefully stacked harmonies and thoughtful guitar riffs. 

The single manages to balance accessible, catchy lyrics with a left-of-center chord progression. While it is relatively short, coming in at just shy of the two-and-a-half minute mark, “Ain’t No Secret” feels un-rushed, natural and a perfect precursor to their forthcoming EP.

Listen to “Aint No Secret” below, and keep an eye out for Hablot Brown’s upcoming EP, which is set to release in late November of this year: