Review: Miles Nautu's the front

Naarm-based Aboriginal and Fijian rapper and producer Miles Nautu first showcased his unique jazz-infused hip-hop style on his debut EP, Allude. Building on a surge of incredible momentum, the he's now released his most significant project to date with his latest EP the front.

Monday, July 6th 2026. It’s a cold rainy day on Gadigal Ngura. It’s been three days since Miles Nautu dropped the front — the solidest jazz-hop EP this continent has seen. Joining previous singles 'the front’ and 'closer', we have three new tracks to sink our teeth into, with 'lost' being a focal point featuring the one and only UK legend Coops. It's an upbeat, vibrant jazz-rap cut built on Latin-infused drums and a mystical flute melody, capturing the tension of chasing success while trying to keep your feet on the ground. 

The EP opens with ‘i am’, introducing the concept of the entire album: nice warm piano chords, movement from the bass and a racing drum groove that screams, “keep up lah”. Short and sweet, this opener feels like a self interrogation. A look into some of Miles’ internal dialogue. “Who am I?” The lyrics are brief but the intensity behind them cuts through. Ears perk up instantly. 

‘the front’ was the first single from this EP to be dropped on March 5th of this year. It came with a sick artwork, handprinted by NOA HĀMANA, that perfectly resembles the meaning of the track. The song opens with some sprinkles of guitar picking and a round bass sound. The sax lick that leads us into the drum groove is *stank face activated* absolutely filthy.

This track puts a scope over three different characters, with one verse to investigate each personality. In Miles’ own words, “The first verse is someone who preaches on life and gives their perspective. The second verse is a ‘hustler’, a more crass and direct person who gets things done but loses themselves in the pursuit. The last is a more introverted and introspective person who doubts themselves and that stops them from growing.” The back end of this track crescendos and opens up into a busy, tense, drum and bass-like groove with intense wailing from the saxophone. ‘the front’ might be a personal favourite from the EP, simply for some of the beautiful messages in the lyrics. 

Strip back the foreign stresses remember the real life

Sunshine and water

Don’t need that pill or pipe

It’s simple being well and rested

Just remember loose your hands

All we got is all we need, know one day you will understand

‘lost’. The focal point on this EP. The piano is splashing different colours over a latin, bossa nova-like groove. The track reflects the friction between seeking success and remaining authentic, touching on personal identity, changing social circles, and the persistence required to advance even when directionless. While the lyrics avoid complexity, they provide a candid glimpse into a period when music emerged as a genuine vocation and a tool for navigating life's turmoil. Raw and informal, the piece focuses on documenting immediate experiences rather than projecting a broad narrative. Working with Coops was an insane moment in Miles Nautu’s career. Having listened to Coops' track ‘Odyssey’ since he was 14, making a song with someone who was so important to his musical taste remains mind-blowing for him.

‘closer’ was the second single to drop in lead up to this EP release. This song captures a feeling the artist is becoming all too familiar with. As one of the oldest tracks on the album, developed alongside ‘lost’, this song serves as a candid reflection on Miles’ mindset during the project's creation. The lyrics offer a deeply honest perspective, moving away from conceptual themes to confront the raw realities of poverty, jealousy, faith, and insecurity. Despite the intense pressure of pursuing success, the author acknowledges that every obstacle and hard-won lesson serves as a vital step toward the future he is actively building. Infused with a jazzy, funky vibe, the track features a saxophone that plays almost continuously throughout. The soul-stirring vocals appearing periodically served as the primary creative spark for the lyrics. While the song originally utilised programmed drums, Miles reached out to his friend River (Bindarray) to contribute. In just a single day, they achieved the ideal sound heard in the current version.

Structured as a prayer, ‘amen’ gradually unfolds as a deeply personal message from Miles Nautu to his late father. It serves as a necessary tribute, ensuring his presence is felt within the project he significantly influenced. I can only imagine how emotionally challenging this track must have been to produce, capturing a fleeting sentiment the artist wished to preserve. Despite not being religious, Miles continues to use prayer — specifically the Lord's Prayer, which his father taught him — as a vital means of maintaining a connection to him. A song containing so many unspoken words intended for himself, it remains difficult for Miles to even listen to today. 

His father was a fellow musician who championed Miles’ career and fostered his fundamental appreciation for music and jazz. As the project began before his death and concluded afterward, including ‘amen’ was essential to honouring his father’s enduring legacy.

Thank you for letting us in Miles, vulnerable is not an easy thing to be. 

Blending hip-hop with soul and pop influences, ‘amen’ features an almost overwhelming emotional depth. The instrumental arrangement effectively frames the lyrics, driven by hard-hitting drums and a chorus that feels both full and evocative. Every element of the song contributes to its powerful, resonant sound.

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Written by Jack Hickey‍

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