Beloved funk band The Motet shocked fans everywhere at the end of last year, when they announced that Jans Ingber would be departing the band. Not wanting to break their stride, the funk ensemble from Colorado brought on Lyle Divinsky, who has been leading the band to new heights with his powerful vocal style. With plans to headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre this summer, alongside Medeski, Martin & Wood and Vulfpeck, the band has another exciting announcement to make: a new album.
On July 8th, the group will release Totem, their first release with Divinsky in tow. “There was a month and a half between the time I joined the band and when we went into the studio,” said Divinsky in a press release. “I wound up writing the lyrics and melodies to four songs, and re-wrote the lyrics to two. It gave me and the band an opportunity to really connect musically. We’re deeply proud of this album and it’s very exciting to have this new material to push out as we begin this next phase of The Motet’s journey.” Totem is also a fun anagram for Motet, if anyone’s keeping score.
To celebrate the new release, the band has shared the leading single “Damn!” Fans of the group will recognize their fast-paced, energetic funky style in a heartbeat, and production from Lettuce/Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno only adds to the album’s excitement. Listen to “Damn!” below:
Pre-orders for the new release are available here!
Totem Tracklist
1. The Truth
2. Fool No More
3. Know it Too Well
4. Rippin’ Herb
5. Damn!
6. Solar Plexus
7. So High
8. Cretan
9. Danger
10. Cloak and Dagger
11. Back it Up
12. Contraband