If you have been fortunate enough to catch the enigmatic Jose James on tour for his latest release. “1978” or his acclaimed 2023 release “On & On,” then you are already familiar with drummer Jharis Yokley. The New York-based wunderkind has released his daring solo debut, “Sometimes, Late At Night,” on Rainbow Blonde Records. Between live gigs, Yokely composed driving songs that cover the arc of one of his past relationships. The album features Yokley on drum, synthesizers/programming, and vocals and contains rhythmic soundscapes that Yokely fleshed out into songs. Jose James guides Yokley as his co-producer; however, Yokley’s sonic stamp is unmistakable. Indeed, the open song, “Back and Forth,” which features Jose James on lead vocals, jumps out of the speakers with its swirling melodic core and daring rhythms. Yokley’s lyrics are not lost in the captivating music as he tells of the relationship’s push and pull. Fellow James band member Masayuki Hirano (AKA BIGYUKI) cowrote the music to five songs and contributed additional synthesizers to the album. “Let Her Go” is nearly frantic with the swirling synths, bold cymbal work, and an ending that seems to create more questions than it provides answers. At the same time, “Remedy,” with its Moby piano coda by BIGYUKI, is undeniably beautiful. “Sleep,” my favorite song on the album, conjures the image of the sleepless nights one would experience during a breakout. Yokeley’s vocal delivery is hypnotic and perfectly complementary to the synth work he and BIGYUKI employ. The album closer features Rainbow Blonde Records executive and artist Taali on vocals with Yokely. “Was It Really Love” is a perfect ending to the album’s arc. The lyrics don’t give you a clear answer to the relationship question raised throughout the album, but the song leaves you more than satisfied with the journey Yokeley has taken you on. The album is fiercely satisfying and is a bold debut statement from Jharis Yokley.