By admin 
HangupsMusic.com – Los Angeles, The creative nexus that is The Internet has long been celebrated for its distinctive blend of R&B, funk, hip-hop, and electronica, a sound that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. Following a remarkably prolific summer for its individual members, the Grammy-nominated collective is now channeling its diverse energies back into a collective effort, meticulously crafting their highly anticipated fifth studio album. Set for an early 2027 release, this forthcoming project promises to usher in a new era for the band, marked by significant creative shifts and an adjusted lineup, signaling a dynamic evolution for the acclaimed outfit.
The group, known for its intricate rhythms, psychedelic flourishes, and the sultry, understated vocals of Syd, emerged from the vibrant Odd Future collective, quickly carving out a unique space in contemporary music. Their albums, particularly 2015’s Ego Death and 2018’s Hive Mind, cemented their reputation for crafting deeply soulful and forward-thinking soundscapes. The chemistry among its core members—Syd (vocals), Steve Lacy (guitar, vocals), Matt Martians (keyboards, programming), Patrick Paige II (bass), and Christopher Smith (drums)—has always been the pulsating heart of their artistry, fostering a collaborative environment where individual talents converge to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
This past summer, however, saw a remarkable outpouring of individual creativity from within the band’s ranks. July 17 marked a rare trifecta of solo releases, with Syd, Steve Lacy, and drummer Chris Crispy all unveiling new personal projects. Syd, whose solo work has increasingly explored a more direct and often intimate lyrical landscape, released her latest album, Beard, to critical praise. Simultaneously, Steve Lacy, fresh off the widespread success of his prior solo efforts, continued to push boundaries with his own distinct sonic explorations. Even Chris Crispy, the rhythmic anchor of The Internet, stepped into the solo spotlight, showcasing his individual artistry beyond the band’s established grooves. This period of intense personal output underscored the profound talent residing within the collective, yet it also naturally raised questions about the future of their group endeavors.
Addressing the band’s return to the studio, Syd shared insights into the genesis of their upcoming fifth album. “It started extremely slow, and then it all started to come together pretty quickly,” she revealed to Rolling Stone. The initial phase, characterized by a gradual unfolding, soon gave way to a rapid creative acceleration, indicative of the band’s inherent ability to coalesce ideas once the momentum builds. A significant factor in this process, Syd credits, was the pivotal role played by keyboardist and producer Matt Martians. While Syd, Lacy, and Crispy were immersed in their solo ventures, Martians diligently held the fort, retreating to a serene lake house to lay the foundational groundwork for the new record. His dedication during this transitional period proved instrumental in maintaining the band’s forward trajectory.
Traditionally, The Internet’s creative process has been a highly collaborative affair, with collective production efforts serving as the bedrock, and Syd often taking the lead on lyrical composition. However, the unique circumstances surrounding this new album necessitated a shift in dynamics. Martians, recognizing his bandmates’ commitments to their solo projects and impending tours, proactively stepped into the lyrical driver’s seat. This strategic reallocation of responsibilities allowed Syd and the others the necessary space to complete their individual work without compromising the band’s progress. "Matt was just like, ‘I know y’all busy as shit,’" Syd recounted, highlighting Martians’ understanding and support.
This change in creative roles led to fascinating results. While many of the new tracks still incorporate Syd’s signature melodies, which had been "freezed out" or pre-recorded, Martians took on the task of penning the lyrics. This departure from the usual workflow introduced a fresh perspective. Syd expressed genuine excitement about the outcome: "Even Matt’s melodies, it came out so great. It’s things that I would have never written or come up with. It’s just super fire. I’m really excited.” This unexpected fusion of established melodic frameworks with Martians’ distinct lyrical voice promises an intriguing evolution in The Internet’s narrative and thematic scope. It suggests a willingness to experiment with internal roles, potentially leading to a richer, more diverse lyrical tapestry than ever before.
Beyond these internal creative adjustments, the band has also navigated significant structural changes. Bass player Patrick Paige II, whose distinctive, often intricate basslines have been a foundational element of The Internet’s sound, has amicably departed from the lineup. “Patrick decided to spread his wings and go solo without us,” Syd confirmed. This decision, while undoubtedly impactful, was met with understanding and mutual respect. “It was really hard. Thankfully, there’s no malice or beef. Just something in his heart said he needed to go and we’re just gonna try and support him as best we can from here.” Paige’s solo career has been gaining considerable traction, showcasing his formidable talents as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, and his departure, though a loss for the band, reflects a natural progression of individual artistic ambitions.
The departure of a core member like Paige inevitably prompted a period of introspection for the remaining members. Losing such a vital component of their sonic identity forced the group to re-evaluate their direction and strategies for the forthcoming project. “I think that is what kind of got the ball rolling again,” Syd mused, suggesting that this unexpected challenge served as a catalyst for renewed creative energy and problem-solving. It underscored the resilience of the band, demonstrating their ability to adapt and innovate in the face of change. When a "monkey wrench gets thrown into the play," as Syd put it, the imperative to "start finding solutions" became a powerful driving force, propelling the album’s development forward with newfound urgency.
The group’s solution to filling the void left by Paige, and indeed to enriching their overall sound, was to welcome two new talents into their fold: bassist Simba Scott and keyboardist Daniel Abraham Jr. Both musicians are already intimately familiar with Syd’s musical universe, having toured extensively with her solo band and contributed significantly to her recent album, Beard. Their integration into The Internet’s framework appears seamless, given their existing collaborative chemistry with Syd. “The two of them are their own duo as well, so we’re adding,” Syd explained, emphasizing the inherent synergy they bring. “They’re all over the album.” This addition of Scott’s bass prowess and Abraham Jr.’s keyboard artistry, particularly as an established duo, suggests a deliberate move to infuse the band’s sound with fresh energy while maintaining a cohesive musical dialogue. Their contributions are expected to introduce new textures and melodic possibilities, subtly reshaping the group’s sonic identity without abandoning its core essence.
As of late June, just weeks before the simultaneous release of the trio of solo albums, the band was actively engaged in the final stages of the album’s creation. After an interview session in New York, the collective planned to reconvene in Los Angeles to record the final two songs for the new Internet record. The remainder of the summer was earmarked for the meticulous process of finalizing the album – mixing, mastering, and polishing – before Syd was set to embark on the European leg of her Beard tour at the end of August. This tight schedule illustrates the dedication required to balance individual artistic pursuits with collective responsibilities.
Syd, reflecting on this period of intense activity and dual artistic output, emphasized the conscious effort she has made to delineate her solo work from that of the band. “Between this new album [Beard] and the next Internet album, I took it a step further,” she stated. This deliberate distinction is not merely logistical but speaks to a deeper artistic intention. “I feel really blessed to have two different outlets as an artist, a band and a solo thing. I made a point, during this era, to really draw the lines between Syd and the Internet, to make it more defined.” Her aim is to ensure that each entity offers a distinct and unique experience for listeners and concertgoers alike. "You can’t book me and get an Internet show – and you also can’t book the Internet and get a Syd show.” This clear demarcation allows both her solo artistry and the band’s collective vision to flourish independently, offering fans two rich, yet distinct, musical journeys.
The forthcoming fifth album from The Internet, arriving in early 2027, stands as a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and adaptability. Despite lineup changes and the flourishing solo careers of its members, the collective continues to evolve, promising a record that is both familiar in its soulful depth and fresh in its reconfigured dynamics. With new voices contributing to its narrative and new hands shaping its sound, the next chapter of The Internet is poised to be as compelling and boundary-pushing as its illustrious past.
