The Olympians take gold on first album in 10 years (Daptone)
The Olympians
Announce first new album in 10 years
In Search of a Revival is out February 13th on Daptone Records
Listen to first single "California" here
Steeped in mystery, The Olympians’ critically acclaimed 2016 self-titled debut quickly propelled the enigmatic, occult NYC collective to the forefront of the city’s burgeoning soul scene—and soon after, the world. Now, almost a decade later, they return with their first new recordings in ten years: an album every bit as powerful and transcendent as its predecessor.
The Olympians bandleader/founding member Toby Pazner explains the new track:
“California is inspired by the sound of Gold Star Studios which housed the wrecking crew and produced dozens of hits in the 1960s LA. It was recorded on a Scully Tape machine identical to the kind of machine they had in that studio. I was heavily influenced by songs about California including California Dreaming and California Soul. Those inspirations plus the sunny disposition of the song led to its title. The Album is a partial departure from the first record and the sound of the acoustic guitar, strings and arrangements are a good representation and introduction to the upcoming record.”
Listen to "California" here
In 2008, Toby Pazner and a group of New York City’s most sought-after musicians found themselves in a Brooklyn bedroom, gathered around a Tascam 388 tape machine. There, they recorded what would become the debut 45 of a project he named The Olympians—initially released on Truth & Soul Records.
Eight years later, while on tour in the Greek Islands, Pazner had a fever dream in which he was visited by a toga-clad, curly-haired figure. The mysterious presence urged him to return across the great sea to build a "Temple of Sound"—a vision that ultimately materialized as the group’s self-titled album, released in 2016 on Daptone Records. The record featured a long list of elite musicians from the Daptone family, all of whom contributed their talents to help realize Pazner’s creative vision.
The album was met with widespread acclaim, quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest instrumental soul records of the decade–gaining reviews from Pitchfork, American Songwriter, Brooklyn Vegan, KUTX and many others. In the digital space, the project has been backed by unbelievably strong organic growth at DSPs, with streaming numbers exceeding all expectations, turning it into a breakout success for both Daptone and Pazner.
Following the success of his debut solo effort, Pazner spent the next several years exploring the musical cosmos—writing songs with Lee Fields as well as joining him on the road as his keyboardist (whom he has also managed for 16 years). During this time he also started a family. This series of transformative life events set the stage for the forthcoming album, In Search of a Revival ( Daptone Records).
In Search of a Revival revisits the original dream that inspired The Olympians but with a more introspective and evolved approach. This time, and a whole 10 years since the self-titled debut was released, Pazner composed, arranged, and produced the entire album on his own. Featuring a mix of returning musicians from his debut as well as a handful of friends and collaborators he has met on his musical journey–forming a 17 person ensemble of the scene’s top players. While The Olympians drew heavily from the classic soul stylings of Curtis Mayfield and James Brown, In Search of a Revival leans into the golden era of the Wrecking Crew, the lush textures of Gold Star Studios, vintage film scores, and the more obscure corners of cinematic soundscapes.
From the cascading harps which open the “Sirens of Jupiter” to the driving horn coda of “Sagittarius By Moonlight,” The Olympians deliver a new sound all of its own: an ancient dream of far away Greece painted out in lush cinematic arrangements over the tough rhythms. In Search of a Revival is poised to be yet another Daptone classic—an album that not only honors the traditions of instrumental soul, but sets a bold new standard for the genre in the years to come.
Tracklist
1. In Search Of A Revival Part 1
2. Strawberry Kiwi
3. Thunderball
4. California
5. A Little Something
6. Here Comes Ben
7. In Search of a Revival Part 2
8. Saraswati Puja
9. Hollywood Cold
10. Tall Grass
11. Wildfire
12. Honey Bea
