By Poleth Aranda

“Symphonik” is, as its name resemble, an orchestral rendition of some of the best and most loved tracks from Thievery Corporation. 

In 2017, the duo performed in the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts collaborating with Mason Bates, symphonic composer and D.J. Playing some songs of their vast repertory of singles and fans favorites. The reassemble became so majestic, it gave the musicians inspiration to take it into the recording studio. This time in collaboration with Prague FILMharmonic Orchestra. Adding to the talent soup formerly featured singers on previous productions: Natalia Clavier, Shanna Halligan, Mr. Lif, Elin Melgarejo, Lou Lou, Puma and Frank Orrall.  

Since Rob Garza and Eric Hilton brought life to Thievery Corporation in the mid-’90s, they stamped a heavy influence of dub, middle eastern, electronic, trip-hop, reggae, hip hop, boss nova and acid jazz on their recordings. This is precisely one of the things I enjoy about the band, you can expect anything but the same from them. Garza said in an interview for Entertainment Voice “I think it’s just really about dedicating yourself to your own sound and your own craft, and whatever that happens to be, if you really put the time and effort and the attention to detail, I think that it doesn’t matter what style or genre you do”.  From their first album in 1996, “Sounds From the Thievery Hi-Fi” to their previous recording, “Treasures from the Temple” in 2018, they've been enchanting their fans with their down tempo. 

I didn’t know what to expect from this album, but I know it was going to be a “re-make” or something similar, listening to the song list. As soon as I put on my headphones and “Heaven’s Gonna Burn Your Eyes” started, I got chills, knowing that was it. The majestic atmosphere of the orchestral arrangements, the synthesizer arpeggios and the angelical voice of Natalia Clavier got me right into it. Not any less enjoyable “Love Has no Heart” with a similar vibe with the trip-hop singer Shana Halligan, who also sings “Depth of My Soul”, giving me a Portishead - Roserland NYC Live vibes that I’ve never experienced after that album, melodramatic, rich and wrapping entrancing sounds. “Getto Matrix” and “Weapons of Distraction” breaking the mellowness of the flowy female voices, with hip hop and straightforward reggae, respectively. Two of the all-time favorites, “Until The Morning”, from the bossa nova, lounge album “Saudade”, and “Lebanese Blonde”, 1996 single, with folk Indian - electronic melodies, are part of the album too. 

The selection of songs in this album is a perfect combination that displays the eclectic style of Thievery Corporation. If you never heard of them, “Symphonik” is a great one to start.

You can follow Poleth on Instagram @crazy_muse