This pass Friday, alternative R&B group, The Internet, released their senior album, ‘Hive Mind’. Despite the often times miss with 4th albums, The Internet managed to score with this gem of an album.
With just 13 tracks, the group handles their expectations smoothly. Although alternative R&B has only so much to be compared to, The Internet continues to place standards within the relatively new genre.
It’s important to mention that even after a 3-year break, the group remains consistent in sound. Taking the first listen through just the first couple tracks, and you already know it’s The Internet. That is of course, with each of their solo projects (as well as the new members) now influencing the sound for ‘Hive Mind’.
But did ‘Hive Mind’ seem like a step up from ‘Ego Death’? That’s the question that lingers. The solo projects given to us by members Syd and Steve Lacy have now clouded much of the sound. Which is of course reasonable, but can seem overbearing because we can’t hear the influence of the other members.
The project is overall consistent yet unpredictable. Even when each song continuously transitions into each other, the beat change keeps you excited.
There are a few hits that manage to sound full, where you can hear every member present and imagine the journey of the song, and ultimately how it came to be.
The Internet manages to contain substance throughout the album, creating an atmosphere of sensuality and fulfilling a purpose beyond that. Even when the lyrics become a bit repetitive, its simple to understand them. Songs like “Bravo”, “Stay The Night” and “Next Time/Humble Pie” really accomplish the concept of what it means to have a ‘Hive Mind’.
Finally, the album closes out flawlessly. The bass is ironically as smooth as silk, and harmonies that send you into a trance. Hive Mind is the only title suitable for these sort of sonics.
Listen to the album below:
