Soulganic’s latest offering, Family Ties opens with an interstellar, funk-rock fusion, where a pulsating bassline immediately anchors us in a deep groove. This is amplified by an astral guitar riff that feels expansive, opening up a vast soundscape that invites exploration. The initial energy is electric and alive, as if we’re being propelled into a space where earthly and cosmic energies collide. Soulganic’s ability to layer sound with such intricacy creates an immediate emotional impact, with each instrument contributing to an overall sense of ascension and upliftment.
As the track builds, the rhythm intensifies, marked by a key ascension that heightens the drama, drawing the listener into a more urgent, emotionally charged space. This section feels like a spiritual crescendo, where the music mimics the rising intensity of life’s struggles and triumphs. There’s a palpable sense of movement and elevation, as if the song is urging us to transcend, to rise above the mundane and embrace something more profound. The composition’s dynamic ebbs and flows are sublime, expertly crafted to guide the listener through moments of tension, release, and catharsis.
Instrumentally, Family Ties is nothing short of a masterpiece. The musicianship is at the forefront, with each member of Soulganic contributing their own distinct voice to the sonic conversation. The bassline is relentless, providing a steady pulse that drives the track forward, while the guitar work feels innovative, adding layers of texture and complexity. The drumming is intricate yet organic, giving the song a tactile feel, as though the very rhythm is being pulled from the Earth itself. This grounded rhythm contrasts beautifully with the more ethereal elements, creating a perfect balance between the physical and the metaphysical.
One of the most remarkable features of the song is the trumpet performance by the renowned jazz and funk trumpeter, Stan Odell Graham. His contribution is nothing short of transcendental, elevating the song to new heights. The trumpet’s entrance feels like a spiritual shift, introducing a new dimension to the track’s sonic palette. Graham’s improvisational flair brings a free jazz spirit to the composition, infusing it with a raw, fiery energy that contrasts with the more structured funk and soul elements. His playing soars above the groove, taking us on a journey through uncharted territories, where each note feels like a prayer, a call to something greater.
As Family Ties progresses, the intensity subsides, leading into a meditative breakdown that offers a moment of reflection. In this space, the music breathes, creating a sense of stillness and introspection. It’s as if the song pauses to allow the listener to process the emotional weight of the journey so far. This section feels deeply spiritual, a quiet moment of communion with the self, before the final ascension. In these quieter moments, the song evokes the experience of a spiritual awakening, or perhaps even the profound clarity and insight associated with a DMT trip. There’s a sense of oneness, of being connected to something larger than the self, as the music gently guides the listener toward a higher state of consciousness.
The final moments of Family Ties are akin to a spiritual ascension, where the music builds once more, taking us on a final journey toward transcendence. It’s a powerful culmination of the song’s themes – exploration, elevation, and transformation. As the song concludes, there’s a feeling of completion, as though we have been guided through a full cycle of spiritual awakening, from the depths of Earthly existence to the heights of cosmic understanding.
Soulganic’s ability to blend genres so effortlessly is a testament to their musical mastery. Family Ties draws from the deep wells of funk, soul, jazz, and afrobeat, creating a sound that feels both timeless and innovative. Their commitment to unquantized, tactile instrumentation gives the track an organic, unfiltered feel, making it both accessible and deeply complex.
Soulganic, based in Charlotte, has long been celebrated for their ability to push the boundaries of funk and soul, and with Family Ties, they have created a piece that is both a reflection of their musical roots and a bold step forward into new sonic territories. The band’s dedication to preserving the essence of live, unpolished music while continuing to innovate sets them apart in an era dominated by overly produced soundscapes. Family Ties is a perfect example of this ethos – a raw, organic, and deeply spiritual piece of music that connects the listener to something greater than themselves.
As the lead single from their forthcoming album Phosphene, Family Ties offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of sounds that Soulganic is crafting for their next project. Due for release in October, Phosphene promises to be a genre-defying exploration of sound, where each track contributes to a larger narrative of human connection and spiritual awakening. With Family Ties, Soulganic has set the stage for what will undoubtedly be a transformative listening experience.
In a world where music often feels disposable, Family Ties reminds us of the enduring power of sound to heal, to connect, and to elevate. It is a sonic journey of the soul, a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the transformative power of music. Soulganic has crafted a piece of art that resonates on a deep, spiritual level. Family Ties is also available to purchase via Bandcamp!