After turning heads with their acclaimed debut, psychedelic soul outfit Theodor returns with their sophomore album, “Holocene”. If their 2023 self-titled debut introduced the world to their distinctive blend of mellow psychedelia and 70’s inspired soul, this latest effort refines that sound to shimmering perfection.
Named after a 24-year-old cat who witnessed the birth of their first album, Theodor’s origin story feels as rich and textured as their music. Born from a road trip to Italy, where founding members Rob (Okta Logue) and Lui (LUI HILL) immersed themselves in tapes of modern soul, the band was later completed by Max (Fooks Nihil) and Greg (Triorität). Together, they forged a sound that is at once nostalgic and forward-thinking, infusing the grooves of 60s jazz and 70s funk with the dreamy haze of synth-driven psychedelia.
Holocene is a sonic tapestry woven with soulful falsetto vocals, evocative melodies, and contemplative themes of loss, self-reflection, and cosmic wonder. Tracks like “Tropical Bird” and “Your Love” showcase the band’s ability to craft cinematic atmospheres, where static drum machines meet lush instrumental layers and buoyant bass lines dance beneath warm, ethereal synthesizers. Each of the album’s ten tracks feels like a soundtrack for a humid afternoon, laced with a touch of magic that elevates the ordinary.
The band’s influences are clear yet masterfully reimagined. Fans of AIR’s silken electronic textures, the offbeat serenity of early Mac DeMarco, or the vibrant grooves of 70s soul and funk will find much to love. Yet Theodor’s genius lies in their ability to transcend those influences, creating something entirely their own. From the hypnotic cascades of “Serpentines” to the poignant beauty of “Le Chat et le Soleil,” Holocene resonates with a timeless quality.
This album isn’t just a continuation of Theodor’s sound – it’s an evolution. By blending their love of vintage grooves with a keen ear for contemporary production, Theodor delivers a record that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically lush.
