Pola & Bryson - Beneath The Surface LP
Pola & Bryson - Beneath The Surface LP
SHA181 - Released 03/09/2020
Shogun Audio proudly presents Pola & Bryson’s long-awaited third album ‘Beneath The Surface’
The realisation of a deep desire to write a conceptual project, the album showcases new heights of sonic expression for the duo, exploring the musical interpretations of a journey through an imagined world.
“We envisioned a landscape to act as inspiration to us whilst writing this album. The landscape is made up of four distinct sections, each representing different mental and emotional states through the means of musical and visual aides.
I. Shinrinyoku, a dense, peaceful forest environment. Peace, rebirth, growth. II. Mangata, the edges of a cold, misty lake. Secret, unsettled, doubt. III. Toska, a dark and endless cave. Melancholy, depth, darkness. IV. Yuugen, a vast and epic mountain range. Open, light, resolution.
The album, paired with bespoke animated visuals, paints the perfect reflection of the journey.”
‘Under’ encapsulates the soulful, rolling sound that has become synonymous with Pola & Bryson over the years – Lauren Archer’s enchanting vocal soaring over atmospheric strings, pads and breaks. Their first collaboration since the multi-million streaming ‘Running In The Dark’, the duo work with Bristol-based vocalist Ruth Royall once more on ‘Friend’, a stunning blend of warm ambience, crisp drums and 808 hits with Royall’s effortless top-line.
Showcasing their versatility as artists whilst firmly remaining in the sonic world of the album, ‘In Too Deep’ slows the pace, venturing through unclear waters as the journey through the imagined landscape continues. Solah’s rich tones perfectly match the tonally ambiguous ’Neverend’, a track heavily supported editorially across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon.
Collaborating with Strategy for the darkest twist within the duo’s imagined landscape, the Manchester MC hits with line after line in ‘Anaesthetist’ leading into a powerful peak of lashing breaks and engulfing bass. Calling on talented vocalist Kojo, ‘Closer To Home’ embodies the best qualities of Pola & Bryson’s artistry; unparalleled musicality, masterful production and nothing but feel-good vibes as the summer begins to wind down into the autumn.
Working closely with the Shogun Audio and Army Of Few design teams, physically the album is presented exclusively in a deluxe box set including 2 x 12" vinyl, four bespoke artwork posters, a Pola & Bryson sticker and a custom USB featuring digital artwork, all album tracks plus five exclusive unreleased tracks including VIPs of Find Your Way ft. Charlotte Haining & Night Dawns ft. Lauren Archer and three brand new tracks.
"Masterful production and musicality throughout, I love that the album has been made just as much for the home listener as for the clubs. For me, these guys are leading the new wave of Liquid Drum & Bass." Sub Focus
With their debut album ‘This Time Last Year’ on their Soulvent Records imprint putting the duo firmly on the map, and their sophomore album ‘Lost In Thought’ on Shogun Audio being nominated for best album in the Drum&Bass Arena Awards, it comes as no surprise to find the duo now at a new peak in their progression and in high demand within the industry. In a small number of years, Pola & Bryson have been enlisted to remix the likes of Moby, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Camo & Krooked as well as collaborating on an EP with Drum & Bass legend DJ Marky.
With their headline show at the prestigious Steel Yard venue in London sold out months in advance, fans wait anxiously for one of 2021’s most highly-anticipated artist albums in Drum & Bass. With sophistication beyond their young years, Pola & Bryson are showing no signs of slowing down as they continue to take their music and performances to a new level.