Polyrhythmics

Polyrhythmics are a cornerstone of the modern instrumental funk and afrobeat scene, hailing from Seattle and formed in 2010 by Ben Bloom and Grant Schroff. Their sound identity is defined by a sophisticated synthesis of Fela Kuti-inspired afrobeat, Stax-era soul, and psychedelic jazz-rock.

Unlike many of their contemporaries who focus on retro-pastiche, Polyrhythmics incorporate a 'Pacific Northwest' grit, often utilizing darker harmonic minor scales and fuzz-heavy guitar textures that lean into cinematic noir territories. Their career arc shows a steady evolution from traditional funk structures toward more complex, long-form compositions seen in later works like Filter System. They occupy a unique cultural position as a bridge between the 'jam band' circuit and the serious jazz-funk revivalist movement. Critically, they are praised for their technical proficiency and the 'wall of sound' achieved by their eight-piece lineup. They are frequently cited alongside peers like Antibalas and Budos Band for revitalizing instrumental music for a younger, festival-going audience while maintaining deep respect for analog recording traditions.