Richmond, Virginia's genre-defying collective, Butcher Brown, returns with their highly anticipated album, Letters From The Atlantic. This new release takes their signature blend of jazz, funk, rock, R&B, soul, bossa nova, and more to new heights, further pushing the boundaries of their eclectic sound. Following the success of their 2023 album Solar Music, Butcher Brown embraces a fresh indie groove, incorporating new voices and creative collaborations into their already expansive soundscape.
A Dynamic Soundscape with Diverse Collaborations
Letters From The Atlantic features a powerhouse lineup of guest artists, adding depth and richness to the album. Guests include Yaya Bey, Melanie Charles, Leanor Wolf, Mia Gladstone, Victoria Victoria, Nicholas Payton, and Neal Francis. This diverse roster of contributors elevates the band’s unique blend of genres, offering new perspectives and musical layers throughout the album.
One of the standout tracks, "Ibiza," showcases Butcher Brown’s deep house influences, merging smooth saxophone melodies with hypnotic beats. The band explains, “We recorded that joint with the idea of it tapping into something you’d hear in a dance club in New York or the UK. We’re all producers, so we’re thinking of the samples a DJ would find and chop up – but doing it all live, no samples, reimagining it in our own way.” The result is a track that shimmers with cosmic energy, taking listeners on a journey to a sun-soaked dancefloor.
A Musical Travelogue: Letters From The Atlantic
True to its title, Letters From The Atlantic feels like a musical travelogue, exploring the band’s journey from their Virginia roots to New York, down the East Coast, and even across the ocean. Butcher Brown describes the album as a "trip" that allows listeners to interpret each song through their own lens, offering a unique experience with every listen.
The album opens with "Seagulls," evoking the peaceful, coastal vibes of Virginia Beach. "Unwind," featuring Melanie Charles, captures the cool, vibrant energy of New York’s Lower East Side. “Something New About You” with Neal Francis brings yacht rock vibes straight from the Florida Keys, while “Hold You” feels like a meditative train ride through Europe. The album closes with “Infant Eyes,” a beautiful homage to jazz legend Wayne Shorter, reflecting the band’s deep respect for the genre’s legacy.
A Laid-Back, Immersive Groove
Moving away from the angular beats of Solar Music, Letters From The Atlantic adopts a more laid-back, intentional, and immersive feel. Butcher Brown's five-piece collective—DJ Harrison (keys), Corey Fonville (drums), Andrew Randazzo (bass), Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney (trumpet/sax/MC), and Morgan Burrs (guitar)—continues to refine their groove-driven sound. Letters From The Atlantic invites listeners to get lost in the music, taking them on a journey through smooth rhythms and layered textures.
Explore Letters From The Atlantic Now
Butcher Brown's Letters From The Atlantic is a genre-bending masterpiece that offers a unique blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and global influences. With its intricate collaborations and immersive grooves, the album is an invitation to explore the musical journey that the band has crafted.
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