The Internet - 'Hive Mind' (2018) Review

Los Angeles based psychedelic R&B/soul band The Internetis back with another full-length release. The Internet consists of Syd on lead vocals, Matt Martians on keyboards and vocals, Steve Lacey on guitar and vocals, Patrick Paige II on bass, and Christopher Smith on drums. Hive Mind is their fourth studio album release, following their 2015 record Ego Death, which is their most critically acclaimed album yet, even winning them a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2016. With Ego Death, they cemented their spot in the R&B and psychedelic music scene, letting open ears know that they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And they’ve definitely kept that promise with this album. Hive Mind is full of chill vibes that fulfill performances from the active but “cool cat” style drumming to the beautiful vocal harmonies Syd delivers, from the trippy but sweet guitar chords to the groovy, funky bass lines. On first play, the listener might experience colors swirling around them with this feeling of warmth inside their body. Not literally though. This album is a throwback to the 60s feels of grooviness, colors, and peace. You might get the feeling to walk outside, pluck a nice flower from your garden, inhaling its lovely scent, and appreciating its beauty.

We start with the cool, calm, collective track that goes by “Come Together,” which features this incredibly punchy but subtle bass line, a group vocalized chorus, and the simple theme of the band strengthing their unity since their three-year hiatus after their third release. Crisp guitar chords help carry the listener through the song. It really helps set the mood for the rest of the album

The three tracks following that, “Roll (Burbank Funk),” “Come Over,” and “La Di Da,” were released as singles prior to the album's release. “Roll (Burbank Funk)” showcases the funkier side of The Internet, providing a catchy, chill but upbeat sound, with drums that kind of sound like tap shoes(?) Regardless, it's a fun summer song. “Come Over” on the other hand showcases Syd conceiving someone to come over to her house so she can “turn them on” with her “dirty mind.” Syd tackles the subject of sexual desire perfectly with her sweet tone and calming but sexy music. The song closes out with Steve Lacey providing some lines about how women can get caught up in the materialistic objects that the men can provide. “La Di Da” has this super charming drumbeat that makes the listener want to shuffle their feet. The bridge on this song is a nice touch, as it delves into a short but eye-opening instrumental.

The high points on this album include the songs “Next Time/Humble Pie” and “It Gets Better (With Time).” The first of the two really harnesses some accessible psychedelic grooves. The alien-sounding drums were a nice icing on the cake too. This song reminds me of the little Saturn doodle I drew on my wrist earlier this week. At the two and a half minute mark, were introduced to “Humble Pie,” which is like the alien spaceship ride into space, if “Next Time” was your pre-abduction on Earth. Flawless production on this song. The overlaying vocalization on Syd’s part is phenomenal, and the song ends on a strong note by fading out while the backing vocals pick up what’s left. “It Gets Better (With Time)" kind of gives off that “Gary Come Home” sort of sound, it sounds heartbroken but passionate. Syd’s vocals are angelic in this cut. The guitar sways back and forth, creating that trippy illusion sound. The drums are crisp, and the bass is smooth and cool. Big Rube (who you might know from the Outkast album ATLiens) gives a nice spoken word piece in the middle of the song. It’s a nice laid back talk about moving forward with courage and inner strength that one lies within themselves. Patrick Paige II also delivers a nice rap about how God has helped him through his struggles to finish the track.

After a few more soulful tracks that have heart and soul into them, we finally close out with “Hold On,” perhaps one of the most blissful and pretty tracks on the whole record. It ties the whole record together perfectly. Spacey keyboard chords, a sweet guitar lick, more of those sweet crisp drums, and another cool groovy bass line. It’s like stars twinkling in the sky after a long but relaxing summer day. And that’s what this album feels like: a relaxing summer day.

The Internet really put their passion into this and it’s easy to tell that they’re trying to keep their good image up since the return from their hiatus. While what they’re doing isn’t anything new, and has been done better, they definitely give the psychedelic R&B/soul image a breath of fresh air. If they experimented with their sound a little more, provided a whole new range of dynamics, and threw us off a little on a couple tracks on their next project, they could create a fantastic, extremely colorful, boastful album.

4/5.