Sound Club Listening Guide
The Artist
Born out of the Los Angeles collective Odd Future, The Internet emerged as a pioneering force in contemporary neo-soul and R&B. Led by vocalist-producer Syd and producer-instrumentalist Matt Martians, the band is defined by their democratic, collaborative songwriting and a breezy, bass-heavy fusion of funk, soul, and jazz. Unlike many modern groups dominated by a single mastermind, this five-piece operates as a true band, with each member contributing crucial textures and rhythms. After the breakout success of their Grammy-nominated 2015 album Ego Death, the band members briefly pursued solo projects to sharpen their individual crafts. Returning in 2018 with Hive Mind, their fourth studio album, they reunited to celebrate their collective chemistry and deliver their most unified statement yet.
The Album
Recorded primarily in their native Los Angeles, Hive Mind was self-produced by the band members themselves to maintain complete creative control. To capture a warm, analog feel, the group relied heavily on live instrumentation, layering Patrick Paige II's bubbling basslines with Steve Lacy's infectious guitar riffs and Matt Martians' spacey synthesizers. This recording process was marked by a relaxed, jam-session atmosphere where ideas were bounced around freely, resulting in a remarkably cohesive and fluid sound. Released in July 2018, the album served as a breezy, uplifting counterweight to a turbulent media landscape. Thematically, the record explores the euphoric highs and vulnerable lows of modern romance, communication, and self-care, all wrapped in a sun-drenched California groove.
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