Raised in the cultural hotbed New York City, ‘s Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee have long brought their city’s rich musical history in jazz, funk, and soul directly into their catalog. As two essential members , Deitch (also ) comes armed with his thunderous breakbeat style on the drums, while Lee brings a seasoned trip-hop/dub aesthetic on keyboards and laptop. As Break Science, the Denver-based electronic duo combine their respective styles into a perfectly interwoven sonic treatise thought-provoking, highly-textured, bass-pumping songs.
The C3-represented artists do not release new projects ten, given their busy schedules with touring and their other acts. So when they do, it’s an easy bet that the project is fresh and soulful, expertly polished, and, above all else, extremely danceable. Break Science’s debut EP, Further Than Our Eyes Can See, for instance, included verses from some today’s most conscious vocalists — including Brooklyn’s and Jahdan Blakkamoore, Sierra Leone’s Bajah, and India’s Falu. Now in the midst their 5-date US tour, the electro-soul duo is releasing their first LP in almost five years, Grid Souls. The eclectic 10-track album showcases their diverse sonic range and deeply rooted beliefs in interconnectedness and consciousness in such a way that is bound to make a mark on the modern musical landscape.
Kicking f the album with powerful vocals Raquel Rodriguez on the synth-driven “Cruise Control,” Break Science fuse generations New York’s rich musical legacy with their own deep-rooted connection to hip-hop heritage. Other highlights include “Guiding Light,” where the duo puts their heavier bass and trap vibes on full display, along with a more rhythmic fering on “Light Shine Down,” a track tinged by influences from 80s electronica and synthwave sounds.
Deitch and Lee took time out their busy touring schedule to answer a few questions with Finest of EDM on Grid Souls, speaking to the album’s underlying messages and driving stylistic components, along with their time in Pretty Lights, how working with Derek Vincent Smith has influenced their own individual sounds, and their US tour with the groundbreaking lighting talents Lazer Shark.
It’s been five years since your last LP release. Why have you waited so long?
B: Shit it’s been 5 years? I thought it was only 4.. I guess we were waiting till we we had something good to say. Well we got a few things we wanna talk about now and we plan on releasing more music this year.
A: To get it right! To get all the fine tuning, mixing, mastering takes time, especially with our touring schedules. Glad we waited until it was right!
What do you feel the album is attempting to say?
A: The album is a musically psychedelic trip into interconnectivity that is undeniably danceable and also can make one think.
B: Understanding the beauty in the diversity life and seeing the unbreakable wires which bond us all together.
Stylistically, the LP is a beautiful blend melodic and glitchy synth-laden funk, soul, and jazz. How do you feel your musical styles have evolved since your Seven Bridges LP in 2013 and what does Grid Souls bring to the table that’s fresh and new?
B: We like bringing different styles together to create something new, but also like to stay anchored in the music that we came from. We continue to push this concept on this record.
A: The technology has evolved, our musical minds have evolved, our lives and musical styles/tastes as well. Borahm and I have met in the middle with our musical influences and styles to create a unique piece art that will hopefully stand the test time.
Tell us about working with Lazer Shark on the new music video. Will he be joining you guys on tour?
B: Its always incredible to work with our friend Lazer Shark. He has already joined us for some dates this year with more on the horizon. He never ceases to inspire us and furthers his extension expression with his video for our single.
A: As one the most pround, creative and risk taking lighting and content designers in the modern era, Lazer Shark has taken our visual game to the next level with his video for “Cruise Control” and our live show.
Both you are essential members Pretty Lights, and it seems the album’s major theme embodies some the beliefs that run deep in the PLF: interconnectedness, consciousness raising, new age spiritualism. How has that influenced the new LP? In subtle or overt ways?
B: D is a long time friend and collaborator and we all work together because there’s a likemindedness there, which shows in many ways.
A: As we move closer to a collective consciousness as a species, every piece art that directs people’s energies in that direction is extremely needed and necessary. We are inspired by artists all genres and mediums from Alex Grey to Kamasi Washington that have deeply spiritual vibes embedded in their art.
Describe the album in just a few words.
B: An extrasensory musical excursion thru emotionally charged atmospheres
A: A journey into the future electronic/analog music that can lift the spirit, move your body and spark one’s mind.