As if the original version was not already a good representation of a summer anthem, Distant Karma has released an acoustic band version of “All I Wanna Do”.
The original version was released as the trio’s debut single in late 2020 and later appeared on their debut EP ‘Never Lost, Always Found’. The acoustic version is the second edition of the song, and I find that this genre strips back the music to the ultimate pure elements of what makes Distant Karma sound so magical. . .
I was first introduced to Distant Karma by the guitarist Sameer Khan, as I am familiar with his band Karma Sheen who play ‘Raag and Roll,’ an electrifying genre that combines Hendrix-esque psychedelic-fused rock with Hindustani classical music. Oscar Seward and Khatima Lamani had a previous project as a house music duo called Distant City. In an interview, Distant Karma told me that they formed through a series of collaborations that grew into the band of “purely great vibes and a great human connection between us three”. Sharing similar influences, the band also has an “international and spiritual connection that connects us to Sweden, Morocco, Pakistan and Old Blighty [Britain]”. This connection not only influenced the band name, which is a combination of their other band names, but one can hear it in the music, too.
Read my previous interview with the band here: https://kmpool64.wixsite.com/londonpennymag/post/distant-karma-interview
I was eager to hear this acoustic edition. “All I Wanna Do” was one of those songs that I could not get enough of when I first heard the EP. This version highlights a strength: they simply know how to write songs that feel like sunshine.
Where the original version had a dub and reggae influenced sound, the instrumental here is simply an acoustic guitar and bass. The good-times summer vibe is still present, even if the genre has changed. Khatima’s voice is a wonderful vessel for the lyrics. The description on Bandcamp suggests for the listener to pair the song with “laying on the beach with a cocktail, cookouts and hanging out with loved ones”.
Every summer needs a soundtrack - whether that’s an entire album or just a certain special song that when you hear in the cold heart of winter, it will bring back those delightful memories of the previous summer. Distant Karma’s “All I Wanna Do - Acoustic Band Version” is just one of those songs to ensure that the soundtrack to your summer will be spent with good music, good times, and good people.
Personnel
Vocals - Khatima
Acoustic Guitar - Sameer
Bass - Oscar