Last year saw the birth of Phoria, a UK-based band that stands as the epitome of ethereal electronic and soul. The five-piece released their debut EP, Bloodworks, about a year ago, and with the project alone, they managed to gain major attention and praise from blogs, magazines, and important members of the music industry alike. We at Hillydilly also adored the EP, but we didn't know exactly where their music would progress to next. Today, they've returned to settle our curiosity with a breathtaking single that blends their characteristically mellow sound with a powerful new one, ultimately resulting in an effort that's nothing short of absorbing. "Emanate" is a journey that must be listened to chronologically, so we will describe it in that fashion. A lone, haunting croon opens up the song, and in doing so, instantly instills a solemn, yet serene mood. Within seconds, a synth effect is placed on the vocals, which are then looped and glossed over with a few piano keys and some sparsely positioned claps, snaps, and kicks. From there, the lead singer carries the song with his tranquil vocals, but around the 2:14 mark, we see a shift begin to occur; a small set of electronic elements chime in, preceding another set of effected vocals, preceding another set of foreshadowing synths. These synths grow stronger, building and building until they nearly reach the highly anticipated climax, but instead of just giving it to you as you'd expect, Phoria pulls everything away. After the split second of heart-stopping silence, a tidal wave of unrestricted bliss crashes over you in the form of colossal synths, emotive strings, and spine-chilling chants. Total euphoria, pristine ecstasy, or whatever else you may call it, the crescendo of "Emanate" is simply awe-inspiring. The track tantalizes for that reason, and its slow-building-but-eventually-immense sound has excited us for what will come after it on the band's Display EP coming out in June.
Phoria