Psychedelic groovesters Free Whenever are bursting from the streets of New York City back to your speakers with a new, much-anticipated single, “Sicily,” which will drop like a bombastic bass line on February 2nd. The single is the first glimpse into their upcoming self-titled studio album, promising a blissful sonic journey that transcends genre and defies musical boundaries.
We’ve covered Free Whenever before on The Third Eye, and we stay up-to-date on what this magnificent band is up to. Their music is rooted in the ancient practice of long-form improvisation, navigating the liminal realms between form (saguna) and formlessness (nirguna). Namaste, my friends.
Free Whenever’s philosophy is shaped by an exotic blend of vintage psychedelia, dub reggae, eastern modality, and African rhythmic traditions, creating a mesmerizing experience for listeners. Their music is a melting pot of influences that gives off heavy Khruangbin vibes and conjures images of stoned incense dancing, lava lamps, big, fat, happy Buddhas, and the sights and smells of bazaars of all nations. You can dance to it, chill to it, or make babies to it. Yes, this is excellent music for you and your lady.
“Sicily” is the lead single off the upcoming album, showcasing Free Whenever’s signature vibe-setting music taken to euphoric new heights. The song seamlessly blends surf guitar with punchy drums and immaculate bass grooves, accompanied by a dash of spicy Afro-Cuban percussion.
Free Whenever has garnered a growing worldwide fanbase with five releases over the past two years and appearances on EarMilk, Psychedelic Baby Magazine, and Apple Music’s editorial playlist Evergreen. They’ve evolved from a humble bedroom recording setup to a full-fledged live act. And if I’m not mistaken, their track “Camino” landed a spot on Barrack Obama’s Summer 2023 Spotify favorites playlist. Thanks, Obama!
Founding members Trevor LaVecchia and Neil Guleria have expanded the band to include live contributor Brendan Stewart on drums, allowing them to bring their infectious grooves from the streets of Manhattan to world-class venues like The Sultan Room. They’ve even shared the stage with notable artists like Karina Rykman.
The release of “Sicily” on February 2nd marks the beginning of Free Whenever’s exciting lead-up to their self-titled album. Three additional singles are planned to drop in the upcoming months, and the group is planning regional tours and some visually stunning music videos. Free Whenever is about to blow up, so get in on the action now so you can tell your friends you listened to them before they got big and played an NPR Tiny Desk concert.
Along with “Sicily,” I got to listen to two other upcoming singles – “Precipice” and “Calypso.” All three songs are under four minutes and hit a sweet spot I didn’t even know I had. “Precipice” has a dub and club feel, awash in a Mediterranean sun and that delicious Afro-Cuban percussion. You can jam out at the spa to music like this as much as you can dance to it in your living room. “Calypso” brings a tasty bass line and backbeat while the improvisational guitar hits us with splashes of color. It’s all excellent stuff.
Stay tuned to Free Whenever’s social media accounts for news about their upcoming album, and mark your calendars for the release of “Sicily.” While you’re at it, check out their previous releases, including the 2023 EP, The Movement, and 2021’s Open Air. Enjoy!
Support Free Whenever by finding them on Bandcamp, Spotify, their official website, or social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
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