True to its name, World Over features music recorded across the seven continents. The immersive new EP from INTERCONTINEN7AL struts a grippingly dynamic sound, propelled by 21 different musicians that craft sounds spanning from the hard-rocking vigor of “The Chamber” to the lush bossa nova-touched “Butterflies.” Check out the variety of collaborating musicians on the project’s website. The EP was over four years in the making, and the result is one that consistently captivates in balancing melodic approachability and impressively ambitious musicianship.
Foreboding references to “the end,” complement a guitar-driven mystique on opening track “Puerto Aisen.” “Close your eyes,” the lushly intoxicating vocals beckon, building into gorgeous string adornments; an exotic sense of adventure and mystery is apparent in the chilly vocals and alternations between “we come alive,” folk settings and more expansive arsenals. Following, “Night Shift” enthralls in its amiable acoustic jangles and awakening vocal vibrancy. “I’m on the night shift,” a soulful vocal duet lets out during an especially moving sequence. The production excels in general, from those interweaving vocals to the atmospheric opening guitar, which was recorded in Antarctica.
World Over impresses across all five tracks, and proves especially inviting on “Butterflies.” Balmy, quaint guitar twangs and serene vocals incorporate elements of warming rock nostalgia and tender bossa nova, sending chills as brass-y slithering eases into the “feel my heart,” vocal reassurances. “Manor Hill” concludes the album in fully satiating form, feeling like an embodiment of the act’s eclectic nature as lush acoustics ascend into a series of powerful rock and string-laden “we can rise again,” catharsis. World Over is an enveloping overall success from INTERCONTINEN7AL.
