Polyrhythmics
Photo Cred: Dawndra Budd
“Ten years deep into their collective journey, this project felt like something of a new beginning for these fellas. Filter System is filled with uptempo dance tunes, crunkadelic bangers, and dusty blunted safaris-in-sound; these boys bring deep grooves and party starters."
- Upful LIFE
“For past decade, Polyrhythmics have been making a case that not every act in the Emerald City is conditioned to aim for what Lemmy Kilmister might describe as “everything louder than everyone else.” In other words, unlike many of the groups that have made Seattle famous, you can actually dance to the band’s designed-to-intoxicate mix of Afrobeat funk, world-music blues, and mushroom-trip jazz. You will be moving to “Fly Trap”, because sometimes resistance is futile."
- The Georgia Straight
“Like the methods the band gleaned from Fela Kuti, hypnosis and surprise make up the sonic foundation for Polyrhythmics’ songs."
- American Songwriter
Polyrhythmics sound originated in Seattle’s underground deep funk scene combining impossibly tight grooves with bold brass and hypnotic percussion that showcased elements of R&B, progressive jazz, and Afrobeat which defined the instrumental group’s early era sound.
Now on their 14th year as a recording project and touring ensemble, the band’s sound continues to evolve with the 2023 release of their seventh full length album Filter System. As journalist Bee Getz writes, “it feels something like a new beginning for these fellas; Filter System is filled with uptempo dance tunes, crunkadelic bangers, and dusty blunted safaris-in-sound”.
Polyrhythmics virtuosic musicianship and musical conversation has been built on a relentless touring schedule of the previous decade which has led them to their current sound that fills a room with an impending mood where anything could happen - sometimes evoking their brighter and cinematic Fela-influences, but also a more sinister and darker turn toward a more a progressive sonic palette combining psych-funk with dub reggae, film noir “and galaxies beyond.”
According to guitarist/co-founder Ben Bloom, “We have a love affair with making people move their bodies, and the music we’ve been creating lately absolutely reflects that.”
Polyrhythmics are:
Ben Bloom: Guitars, Grant Schroff: Drums, Nathan Spicer: Keyboards, Jason Gray: Bass, Scott Morning: Trumpet, Elijah Clark: Trombone, Art Brown: Sax and Flute