It is no secret that we are huge fans of Soulganic, and their latest single, Pulling Me (Pushing Me), is another epic journey with innovative sonic design and a holistic, intentional nature. With its glistening ethereal synthscape that glimmers like a holographic sky, the opening immediately immerses us in a soundscape that feels vast and otherworldly. The soft but persistent entrance of shimmering guitar notes sets the scene for a delicate dance between atmosphere and rhythm. Then, almost imperceptibly, a subtle but steady beat begins to carry the listener deeper into Soulganic’s musical universe. It’s this kind of seamless, intentional production that shows the band’s mastery of their craft.

Pulling Me (Pushing Me) stands at the intersection of multiple genres, yet it refuses to settle into any one of them. The song feels familiar, echoing soulful house grooves, reggae rhythms, and P-Funk chaos, yet it is a completely new exploration. The melodic journey echoes the very emotional complexity of the subject it tackles: the thrilling highs and nuanced lows of new love. This track feels like the aural equivalent of a romance – enchanting and magical in the beginning but eventually revealing the real intricacies and dilemmas that come with it.

The genius of this track lies in its genre-blending, each transition representing a shift in the emotional narrative. It begins with that smooth, dreamy groove – a blissful sonic euphoria that mirrors the intoxicating feeling of falling in love. But as the song progresses, the story deepens. The introduction of reggae-inspired rhythms, reminiscent of The Police, brings with it a sense of questioning, of doubt creeping in. The gradual unveiling of a person’s true nature becomes more prominent as the beat subtly shifts, mirroring the emotional turbulence that comes with the vulnerability of a relationship.

The hook is particularly captivating. Repeated with a kind of hypnotic quality, it resonates like a mantra – its charm lying in its simplicity yet profound in its emotional weight. There’s a mesmerizing quality to the vocals, which glide between smooth soul and controlled emotional power. The range displayed by Anthony Rodriguez, lead vocalist and bassist, is nothing short of sublime. His voice drifts through the verses with ease and then punctuates the chorus with a rawness that draws you in.

And then, just as you think the song has shown all its cards, the finale surprises. With an unexpected switch-up, Soulganic introduces staccato claps, a reworked version of the hook, and vocals that hit with a Michael Jackson-esque intensity, complete with iconic “ahhh”s. This moment feels like a revelation – the culmination of the relationship’s rollercoaster journey, where clarity finally sets in. The transcendent breakdown that follows leaves us both fulfilled and yearning for more, with Soulganic skillfully pulling back just as we become fully immersed in the experience.

The brilliance of Pulling Me (Pushing Me) is its ability to encapsulate the emotional rollercoaster of love within its sonic framework. The song tells a story not just through its lyrics, but through its careful arrangement of sound and genre shifts. It’s not merely a love song; it’s a musical metaphor for the ups and downs, the enchantments and realizations, that accompany relationships. The reggae breakdown is the initial clash of reality and idealism, while the P-Funk chaos in the finale is the full-blown acknowledgment of the relationship’s complexities.

Soulganic’s evolution as a band is fully on display here, and with this track, they are signaling that their upcoming album, Phosphene, will be nothing short of a genre-defying masterpiece. Pulling Me (Pushing Me) hints at a collection that will traverse even more musical landscapes, offering listeners both familiar comfort and thrilling new horizons. The blend of soul, funk, and alternative genres is done so effortlessly, but what truly stands out is the honesty – the intentional lyricism that speaks directly to us.

As a prelude to Phosphene, this single sets an incredibly high bar. For fans of D’Angelo, Sault, The Police, and Jamiroquai, Soulganic continues to prove that they are not only torchbearers of these influences but innovators in their own right. With Pulling Me (Pushing Me), Soulganic create an elegant, celestial sonic tapestry that is as expansive as it is intimate – a perfect reflection of love’s unpredictable nature. This track, with its subtle grace and powerful charisma, leaves us eagerly awaiting what comes next.

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We recently featured Soulganic as they shared a cosmic groove odyssey of funk, jazz, and spiritual awakening with their single, Family Ties, so when we heard that the talented creators had also released, Bear That Weight, we were excited to listen and share our experience.

Bear That Weight opens with two bold drum strikes, immediately setting a confident tone for what’s to come, followed by a transcendental guitar performance that ushers in a sense of calm and contemplation. The atmospheric power pop vocal harmonies create a lush soundscape, capturing us with a warm embrace right from the beginning. This careful balance between groove and message is a hallmark of Soulganic’s work, and it shines through in this latest offering.

The song’s lyrics convey a deep sense of empathy and solidarity, offering an anthem of support to anyone struggling through life’s hardships. Lines like, “When you feel the burden of the struggle, and it seems this life’s too much to bear… just remember that you have a friend” deliver a poignant and comforting message. The repetition of, “I will be the one on whom you can depend… I will be with you ’til the end,” drives home the song’s call for unity and compassion. This universal theme of human connection is embedded in the song’s spiritual depth, reminding listeners that they don’t have to carry the weight of life alone.

Musically, Bear That Weight harks back to the golden era of Stax Records, dripping with a mellow vintage groove and the spiritual soul of the 1970s. Soulganic masterfully blends sparse instrumentation – featuring intricate guitar work, melodic basslines, and tight, minimalist rhythms with intimate and soothing vocals. The vocal harmonies, especially the choral moments, amplify the sense of community and support the song aims to convey.

The track doesn’t just rest on the laurels of its message. It is equally grounded in its groove-centered, tactile instrumentation. Soulganic‘s seamless blend of unquantized rhythms with smooth, melodic lines showcases their skill in delivering soulful anthems that are both deeply personal and widely relatable. The band’s characteristic Funky Indie Soul sound is enriched by their ability to bring forth the richness of jazz and funk influences, while also offering a vintage warmth akin to records of the 70s.

The craftsmanship behind Bear That Weight reflects Soulganic’s commitment to the sonic traditions that shaped their sound, while still innovating and evolving. In a time where human connection feels more vital than ever, the trio delivers a song that bridges generations, weaving together the raw power of soul music with modern sensibilities. It’s a song that invites us to reflect on our need for connection and mutual support, with a sound that is both timeless and relevant.

Soulganic’s latest single not only sets the tone for their upcoming album Phosphene but also reinforces their status as pioneers in the indie soul genre. Fans of Cleo Sol, Sault, and Lianne La Havas will appreciate the similar emotional depth and groove-centered vibe in Bear That Weight. With its luscious harmonies, intricate guitar work, and comforting message, this song is a soothing reminder of the power of music to heal and connect.

Soulganic continues to push the boundaries of their genre, crafting soundscapes that are not only rich in history but also brimming with contemporary relevance. Bear That Weight serves as a soulful call to arms, a reminder that no one is ever truly alone in their struggle. We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS playlist!

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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!

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