Soulganic has been a cornerstone of Charlotte, NC’s indie soul scene since 2005, blending funk, jazz, and soul into a sound as vibrant and unpredictable as life itself. This trio—composed of Cory McClure on drums and keys, Ryan McKeithan on guitar, and Anthony Rodriguez on vocals and bass—has built a reputation for crafting music that feels deeply human and gloriously unfiltered. Their work defies genre conventions, offering listeners a space to connect with the raw, organic beauty of music made from the soul.
Their newest single, “Phosphene” (featuring Tony McCullough), is a dazzling example of Soulganic’s ability to balance the cerebral with the visceral. Drawing inspiration from the phenomenon of phosphenes—those flickering lights we see with closed eyes—the song serves as a metaphor for a love that glimmers and guides, even when the world feels shadowed. It’s a theme that resonates, a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the ways love can illuminate life’s darkest corners.
The track’s Afrobeat-inspired rhythm bursts to life from the first note, carrying listeners on a kinetic wave of energy and momentum. As the song progresses, it shifts seamlessly into a soulful breakbeat hook, offering a meditative moment amid the movement. This interplay between dynamism and introspection reflects the complexity of its subject matter, capturing love not as a static ideal but as something alive, evolving, and often tumultuous.
Tony McCullough’s guest appearance on saxophone elevates “Phosphene” to a transcendent level. His solos, woven through the track’s climactic free jazz crescendo, evoke the chaos and clarity of love’s most profound moments. Each note feels like a burst of light, echoing the phosphene imagery that anchors the song’s narrative. As the band and McCullough reach their peak, the sound becomes a swirling tapestry of emotion, a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared energy that defines Soulganic’s artistry.
With “Phosphene” serving as the title track for their newest album, which released on November 15, 2024, Soulganic continues to push the boundaries of their sound while staying true to their mission of creating music that connects. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the luminous threads that bind us all.
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