Globally renowned jazz instrumental group Polyphonic Exophilia gear up to launch perhaps their most established and compelling project yet. The opening moments of the new album Deep Diver are quick to set a vibe both musically impressive and satisfying. Deep Diver offers a fast-fingered set of layers from meandering bass to keys to horns an rhythms, and the energy is on point from the moment you hit play.
The highly-anticipated second studio album from a wildly popular Polyphonic Exophilia, the idea for Deep Diver emerged from a nostalgic desire to create the holistic experience of a story. The intention was to craft an album that could be consumed almost like a book, and so, the story at its core, is that of a deep space mission that goes terribly wrong.
Despite the upbeat bounce and colourful optimism of the opening track, everyone dies on this mission through space. However, it’s not all doom and gloom – there are valuable lessons to be learned about life and existence, and the titles of these nine original tracks help lay down the chapters and ideas of the completed tale.
As we move into 20 Watt Cloud of Energy, the mood is boldly different. A certain chaos and sci-fi-like mystique brings rhythm and retro movements that quickly redirect us towards a sense of incoming action and possibility. Into The Unknown then calms us back down a little, a funky progression that lets the body settle and the mind wander freely.
After this, something a little more indie-rock cinematic takes whole, with First Glimpse of LP. The music here is quite exotic, smooth waves of retro instrumentation and effects aligning with the band’s seamless connection between the concise and the improvised. Then we get a solo horn lead for something a little more long-form storytelling, with the wonderfully unpredictable Style is the Answer to Everything.
126 Passage is another creatively intriguing design, a sort of lo-fi central chapter that’s unsettling but gripping in its blending of organic and fuzzy elements. This is also the longest track of the record, and one that grows all the more psychedelic as it evolves. This progression then leads beautifully into the funky quickness and catchy, uplifting groove of Hanami & momijigari – a personal favourite for its euphoric energy and world-music fragments of tune.
I am, essentially through others is another highlight, a sheer celebration but with echoing, reverb-kissed layers of dreamy contemplation that naturally provoke deeper thought – in keeping with the implications of the title. Then to finish, Staring at the Sun delivers a mild twist of something old school Americana-like, in its hazy introduction and this awakening sort of all-encompassing brightness and warmth.
Phenomenal musicianship and artistic unity between all organic performers is forever a central and unique trait of the iconic Polyphonic Exophilia. Deep Diver exemplifies that quality, and proceeds to weave in a whole new level of unprecedented appeal and depth, further extending their reach as a creative force of our time.
A written work from creative writer Heather Henderson will also be released as a vinyl insert, and was designed to be read as you listen along to the music. The album’s cover art is by Norwegian artist Håkon Holm Olsen.
Deep Diver releases December 13th. Pre-save Deep Diver or Pre-order the vinyl. Find Polyphonic Exophilia on Instagram, YouTube, or their Website.
