Kraak & Smaak and Butter Bath - Heat

Kraak & Smaak’s new single, Heat, marks a compelling evolution in their storied career as the trio joins forces with Butter Bath for a collaboration that bridges past and future. Fusing decades of sonic mastery with a jolt of youthful optimism, this radiant anthem is primed to soundtrack the summer ahead. A seamless fusion of veteran cool and fresh creative energy, Heat pairs Kraak & Smaak’s two-decade command of nu-disco, jazz, funk, and soul with the modern, understated artistry of Butter Bath—a rising talent whose early acclaim from Triple J and Rolling Stone Australia signaled his arrival.

Kraak & Smaak—comprising Oscar de Jong, Wim Plug, and Mark Kneppers—has long been at the forefront of stylish, forward-thinking dance music. Their signature blend of nu-disco, jazz, funk, and soul captivated listeners on seminal albums like Pleasure Centre and Juicy Fruit, with each release refining their unmistakable groove.

Meanwhile, Butter Bath—described as a “slippery sliver of psych-pop”—emerged in 2021 with Spectator, a solo project born from Toby Anagnostis’ need to create outside the constraints of a traditional band. His 2022 followup, Kurrajong Hotel, led to tours across Australia and the UK, bolstered by collaborations with Nicholas Littlemore (PNAU/Empire of the Sun). The psych-pop project has earned spots on BBC Radio Scotland, MTV, and Triple J Unearthed’s top tracks of 2024, where he was dubbed a “lo-fi Tame Impala.” With his debut album set for mid-2025, Butter Bath now steps into new territory alongside Kraak & Smaak.

On Heat, this inspired pairing finds their common ground, blending classic aesthetics with a sun-drenched, West Coast-inspired edge. The track opens with driving, faded synth pulses and a bassline that hits with mountainstrong precision, while shimmering pads and buoyant melodies guide the way to a chorus that feels both radioready and deeply evocative. Infused with the breezy warmth of vintage funk yet rooted in modern production, Heat is a masterclass in effortless cool—an invitation to let loose, exhale, and sink into the spirit of summer. Far from a routine collab, Heat introduces a fresh twist. Poised yet uninhibited, it captures both acts in peak form—cool under pressure and audacious in their vision. With an air of understated promise, Heat sets the tone for more to come.