The “World Over” EP is a collaborative work issued by the band known as INTERCONTINEN7AL. Formed during the tough days of the 2020 worldwide pandemic, this collection of 22 artists from all seven continents, including Antarctica, goes to highlight the resilience – and quite honestly, the terrible conditions brought by the pandemic—, the creativity, and the unifying force of music. This EP demonstrates their musical skill and marks a historic achievement as the first band to record original tunes with instrumentation supplied from every continent. With over 150 media features and a rising global fanbase, INTERCONTINEN7AL has garnered major exposure and is prepared for its well-deserved glory.
The band originated in Columbia, Maryland, where Matt Smith and his former band “Toast” began experimenting with virtual collaboration utilizing BandLab, a music platform that facilitates cooperation. What started as a local endeavor suddenly developed into a global initiative. Inspired by the idea of expanding the “Sonic Highways” concept to a worldwide scale, the band then began by inviting musicians from diverse backgrounds to contribute, thereby breaking barriers of geography and culture, culminating in a project that resonated across the globe with the help of BandLab. Over time, INTERCONTINEN7AL increased its roster and published over five albums, establishing its place in music history.
Puerto Aisen
Their mission extends beyond music. The band has a dedication to make the world a better place and they contribute by donating all proceeds from streams to humanitarian causes, their works have been lauded in magazines like the San Diego Union-Tribune, The Denver Post, and Focusrite, among many others. Their interviews and features further illustrate their passion for collaboration and their determination to using music as a force for good.
This EP comprises 5 songs with a combined streaming time of roughly thirty minutes. Songs on the EP include Puerto Aisen, Night Shift, Butterflies, The Chamber, and Manor Hill (Remaster 2022). “Puerto Aisen,” being the first track, with its gentle speed and calming tone, is all about closeness and connection. The lyrics such as “As the dance that we make brings us close to the end / And the moon shines her face on our bodies again” are emblematic of this intimacy. There is an interplay between the song’s calm melody and the emotional depth of its lyrics that captures the essence of cherished and “once-in-a-lifetime” occurrences. The song is truly set apart by its delicate instrumental layering, further playing into the song’s idea of vulnerability and close connection.
Aside from “Puerto Aisen,” another standout on the EP is “Night Shift.” It commences with a minute-and-a-half-long guitar intro recorded in Antarctica that immediately conveys a tone of tranquility and perhaps remoteness. The duet has lyrics that talk about solace and atonement, as evidenced in lines such as, “Rest all your senses, lay down your defenses on the night shift.” The music switches midway into a darker tone, which produces a noticeable contrast in ideas. At eight minutes long, its structure makes it an unforgettable listening experience.
The third song on the EP “Butterflies”, With its light-hearted and romantic tune, is a shift from the others. The lyrics reflect the excitement of newfound love with lines like “Let your finger linger over my cheek, my neck, my arm.” The song’s lighthearted rhythm generates an uplifting mood, making it a favorite for listeners wanting a taste of excitement and nostalgia.
Other tracks on the EP, such as “The Chamber” and “Manor Hill (Remaster)” provide complexity to the EP. They merge influences of blues and classical music, as well as a reinterpretation of an earlier piece, which reflects the band’s evolution. The remaster improves upon production quality, accentuating its powerful instruments and heartfelt lyrics and making it their own.
The success of “World Over” resides not only in its musicianship but also in its message. Each music demonstrates a joint effort and hard work, displaying the unifying power of art. As the INTERCONTINEN7AL band continues its voyage, it serves as a reminder of what’s possible when creativity, technology, and a shared goal come together. “World Over” is a milestone in music history and a beacon of hope for what collaborative art may achieve.
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