Canadian outfit Sargeant X Comrade revisit “River” with a fresh perspective on this Mo Gravy Mix, the opening track from their latest album Power, Vol. 1, released 6 June via Mo Gravy Records. Framed as a song about renewal and transformation, it explores the idea of shedding the old self to step into something new. The presence of Calgary’s poet laureate Wakefield Brewster brings a powerful spoken word dimension that grounds the track with emotional weight.

The remix builds on the original’s reflective R&B foundation with a broader, groove-led arrangement. Warm horn lines and laid-back rhythms give it a fuller, more immersive sound that blends soulful introspection with subtle funk. At the heart of the project are vocalist Yolanda Sargeant and producer Evgeniy “Comrade” Bykovets. For this version, they are joined by a line-up of Calgary-based musicians including Rubim de Toledo on bass, Luis “El Pana” Tovar on percussion, Carsten Rubeling on trombone, and Jon Day on trumpet. The live instrumentation adds a tactile quality that complements the duo’s layered production style.

Sargeant X Comrade describe their sound as lo-fi soul, a term they coined to reflect their genre-blending approach. Their music draws from jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, dancehall, and experimental influences. Yolanda Sargeant’s vocals channel the spirit of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Erykah Badu, yet remain unmistakably her own. Comrade’s production is rooted in sample culture and crate-digging sensibilities, often weaving vintage textures into unexpected modern forms. From swing piano riffs over hip-hop beats to flamenco guitar paired with reggae and trip-hop elements, their songs are built on creative contrasts.

You can find more info and follow the duo HERE