INTERCONTINEN7AL closes its seven-album journey with Volume 7, a project that both celebrates and redefines the possibilities of global collaboration in music. The band, based in Castle Rock, Colorado, has made history by recording tracks across all seven continents, including Antarctica. Their final album is a culmination of a five-year experiment that stretches the boundaries of remote creativity while maintaining an emotional core that resonates beyond its ambitious scope.
The standout single, “Love is Everywhere,” written and performed by Argentina’s Nereo Paulus, channels Beatles-esque warmth and melodic clarity. It provides a contrast to the more experimental moments of the album while retaining the collective’s signature ethos of inclusivity and international dialogue. The track moves with a breezy optimism that complements the complex tapestry of instrumentation woven from contributors on every continent. Paulus’ vocals are gentle yet commanding, carrying a sense of universality that mirrors the album’s global ambition.
Throughout Volume 7, INTERCONTINEN7AL traverses a multitude of genres. Up-tempo hard rock tracks coexist with Latin rhythms, bossa nova flourishes, acoustic reflections, and jazz-infused passages. Songs like Empty Halls and Lotus showcase the band’s ability to maintain cohesion across diverse sounds while never sacrificing individuality. Each musician brings a distinct voice to the project, from Stijn Thoolen’s percussion in Antarctica to contributions from artists in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The results are intricate yet accessible, proving that cross-continental collaboration can produce music that feels intimate rather than disjointed.
The album benefits from a sense of purpose that has defined INTERCONTINEN7AL from its inception. Formed during the 2020 COVID lockdowns, the band used BandLab to connect artists worldwide, creating a blueprint for remote music-making long before virtual collaboration became commonplace. Volume 7 feels like the natural conclusion of this journey, celebrating both the technological ingenuity and the human emotion that underpin the collective.
“Love is Everywhere” and the rest of Volume 7 exemplify what makes INTERCONTINEN7AL a singular force in contemporary music. Ambitious in scale yet heartfelt in delivery, the album is a fitting farewell. It is an invitation to witness music without borders, a reminder that shared creativity can transcend geography and circumstance. For listeners, it is a testament to collaboration, persistence, and the simple, enduring power of a melody that connects us all.
Featured Image: Artist Supplied
