.multibeat - OOO .multibeat

Dutch collective .multibeat return with OOO, their third album and debut for Sonar Kollektiv. Rooted in Utrecht’s vibrant musical community, the trio of Boudewijn Pleij (keys), Thijs van Zutphen (bass) and Aron Smit (drums) blend hip-hop, jazz and beat culture into a groove-driven sound inspired by artists such as Robert Glasper, J Dilla and the contemporary UK jazz scene.

The three musicians first met while studying at the conservatoire in Utrecht, initially performing as a live backing band under the name Muddy Grease before evolving into a production-focused collective. Over the years they have built a reputation for connecting the worlds of jazz, hip-hop and contemporary beat music through an ever-expanding network of collaborators, while helping to foster a vibrant and experimental local scene around them.

Following their debut album Toolbox (2022), created alongside Dutch beatmaker Noflik, and the acclaimed Channel Island (2024), which featured appearances from Pete Philly, Joya Mooi, GINGE and Marcus "Tennishu" Tenney of Butcher Brown, .multibeat now arrive at their most fully realised statement to date. While the more crossover-oriented Have A Nice Weekend EP hinted at new directions, OOO sees the trio reconnect with the more eclectic and exploratory side of their musical identity.

Collaboration remains central to the album. Featuring contributions from Casiio, Säm Wilder, vAn, TOS, Neema Nekesa, Noflik and longtime collaborator Paul van de Calseijde, the record moves effortlessly between soulful vocal songs, jazz-infused instrumentals and rhythm-driven beat excursions. Tracks such as Please Hold Me, Hold Me Down and Monochrom showcase the group’s gift for emotionally resonant songwriting, while pieces like Flyyy, Use Your Noggin and Rhapsody highlight the trio’s instinctive chemistry as musicians and producers.

Warm, collaborative and deeply groove-centred, OOO captures .multibeat at their most confident and expansive.

It is an album that honours the collective’s roots in jazz and hip-hop while continuing to push their sound into new and inspiring spaces, a fitting introduction to one of the most exciting young groups to emerge from the Dutch scene in recent years.