Antwerp based band Psy’Aviah was initially founded in 2003 by producer and composer Yves Schelpe, later joined by vocalist Emélie Nicolaï and guitarist Kristof De Clerck. Since 2011 the band consists of Yves, Emélie and Ben Van de Cruys. Experimentation is one of the main philosophies of Psy’Aviah. This is portrayed by both incorporating different genres into their own sound and by the different collaborations they have done over the years.
The band really took form in 2007 when they released their first album “Creationism”. After that release Psy’Aviah was signed to “Alfa Matrix” records and with them they released the albums “Entertainment Industries” (2008), “Eclectric” / “Eclectricism (2CD Limited Edition)” (2010), “Into The Game DJEP” featuring Ayria (2011), “Introspection ~ Extrospection” / “Restrospection” (2CD Limited Edition)” (2011), “Contraspection” (Digital Only Release) (2011) and “OK / Virtual Gods DJEP” with remixes by Jan Vervloet, M.I.K.E., Radical G, NUDE, and more.
Psy’Aviah have just released their mini-album, “Future Past” and their single, “Our Common Future”. In a world of connect-the-dots electro-pop, Psy’Aviah offers an alternative to the simple dance music that dominates our airwaves. “Future Past” is a winning hodgepodge of electro-pop, ambient, house, and dubstep that reaffirms the group’s status as one of the leading independent names in electronica.
Merging electronic beats with warm female vocals, textured melodies, and banging beats. They soothe the soul like a tall glass of iced tea in July. This is my first exposure to the band and I am truly intrigued by their work.
I decided to grab “Future Past”, and from the first beat I was impressed. There are enough tracks here that could easily be played at your favorite dance club for pumping beats, while there are several tracks which are hypnotizing enough for those late Sunday afternoons or late night chill sessions. What is most evident in Psy’Aviah’s latest release is the variety of musical talent and cross-section of musical styles that they gently and delicately incorporate together.
“Future Past” consists of 5 original tracks, plus 8 remixes in the form of electro-house by “Dizkodude”, “Amarta Project”, “Dimension Flux” and electro-house versus dubstep by “Rootkit” and “Atrox Bass” as well as more dub and ambient versions by “Cyance”, “Triptone” and “Frenchfire”. Finally there’s also a stripped down (piano) version of “Circles” included on the album.
Without a doubt, the cherry on top is offered by the prestigious collaboration with Kyoko Baertsoen (former HOOVERPHONIC artist and co-founder of LUNASCAPE). Her unique voice and timbre can be heard on the song “Our Common Future”.
“Future Past” definitely needs to be heard several times for it to be fully appreciated and once it finds its way into your media player it will be there for a very long, long while. It’s perfect driving music, getting ready to go out music, and it definitely satisfies when having a few friends round for drinks.
And if you really want to dance, just turn up the volume!
“Future Past” works so well because Psy’Aviah studies their craft and brings something truly original to each recording. This album represents an evolution of very talented musicians with great taste in ambient music and a keen ear for the dance-floor.
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