Intercontinen7al - Apothecary (INTERCONTINEN7AL)

You might be able to describe Intercontinen7al’s music in pretty specific terms, but a little more explanation is needed when it comes to the band itself, or perhaps project is a better word for what is going on here. Whatever you want to call it, they are the first band in history to record music garnered from all seven continents (hence the name), including guitar and percussion from far-flung research stations in Antarctica!

With a roster of over 30 musicians based in fifteen different countries and a set of musical influences, inspirations, and infusions that take in everything from alternative & hard rock to folk, pop, and blues, and from jazz, Latin and funk to metal, gospel and progressive music, and even finding room for classical, reggae, bluegrass, bossa nova and show tunes in their music, it is clear that this is no ordinary musical approach. Perhaps the first band to own the term “world music” in its truest, broadest, and most meaningful sense.

Taken from their album Vol.5 the latest single, “Apothecary,” is a deft blend of bluesy vibes, soulful guitar licks, shimmering sonics, and spacious beats. This time out, the music makers are Matt Smith on guitars and synths and Alex Burke on bass, both based in America, and adding to the truly international sonic waters, the enigmatically named Miami73 from France on additional guitar and Rieneke from the Netherlands on backing vocals. The warm, welcoming, slightly hazy, and heavenly main vocals are courtesy of the UK’s *Kelly Wandless.*Add all that together, and we have a song that tips its hat to past traditions and familiar sounds but which makes music with its eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead.

This is music making in the modern age, a time when sound and style, genre, and even geography are no longer obstacles, thanks to advancements in modern communication and musical technology. Such opportunities have been around for a while now, but few, if any, have embraced its potential quite in the way that Intercontinen7al has.

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