Review by Stewart Gray
Attempting to create anything new or exciting can be difficult for many artist. Combining genres has become a trendy method of achieving this goal, but very few artists can pull this off in a way that is cohesive and exciting for listeners. In their newest LP, New Levels New Devils, progressive virtuosos Polyphia have successfully forged a cohesive and exciting bond between hip-hop/trap and their signature brand of progressive instrumental bangers. The album is loaded with headbangers, recognizable features, and ear catching licks. These tracks would feel just as at home in club as they would be on a bill with the likes of Chon or Intervals.
The album opens with the dark and brooding track, “Nasty,” that sets the tone for a darker more seductive Polyphia than listeners have heard in previous records. The second track “OD” has distinctive Latin flair that is fun and sexy, and the song “Drown” features a surprising and tasteful solo from Tori Amos’ guitar player Mateus Asato. Producer and singer Cuco provides the only vocal feature on the record in the song “So Strange” that falls a little flat in an otherwise original and interesting album.
While this album is one spanky banger after another it does suffer from a lack of variety. Even with stand out tracks like “OD” and “Goat” some of the tracks get a little redundant. Overall, though, the album is a thoroughly exciting deluge of ear candy, worth the listen. Polyphia has set the bar for creativity in alternative music this year.
LISTEN TO: “GOAT” or “Saucy”
STAY CONNECTED WITH POLYPHIA: https://www.facebook.com/Polyphia/