Photo Credit: Jen Maler
DC-based electronic duo, Thievery Corporation, has made its upcoming record, The Temple Of I & I, available for stream ahead of release date (February 10th via ESL Records)! The new record is greatly inspired by the sounds of Jamaica and was applauded by Consequence of Sound who said the band, “reflect on the destruction and decay brought on by greed, employing a nice balance of magnetic confidence and smooth thoughtfulness.”
Fans can stream “I & I” here.
Infused with the culture and rhythm of Jamaica, The Temple of I & I is an extension of the dub ethos and aesthetic that they’ve harbored since their debut EP Sounds from Thievery Hi-Fi. This time, however, they dove headfirst into the rich and warm musical environs of Port Antonio, Jamaica and surrounded themselves with the island’s magic. Kicking off in February 2015, Eric Hilton, Rob Garza and their DC-based live rhythm section settled into the deep part of Jamaica – Port Antonio – and began recording in Geejam Studios. “People couldn’t believe Robbie Myers, our guitarist, wasn’t Jamaican,” laughs Hilton. “I think they’re used to people coming down from London or LA to record rock and pop records, and they were thrilled that we had such a handle on their sound. It felt like the respect was mutual. It was beyond gratifying. High Grade ganja and bottles of Appleton rum started to show up on the reg.”
“The Temple of I & I is a place of worship that exists only in our imagination; a place where all people are chosen people and the unity of living things is possible,” explains Hilton about the album’s title. “So much of the world is divided into tribes and belief systems that have imprisoned people’s consciousness and allowed a few to control the many. Culture can be a blessing and a curse. Humanity transcends tribe and culture. This has been a constant theme in Thievery Corporation’s message since day one”