Birthed as a solo adventure in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and evolved into a duo in Toronto, 456 are set to release their debut album Steep Hills Dollar Bills on Tuesday, September 16th.
Lucky for us, we received an advance copy.
Beginning as a solo electronic project by Neil Krystopowicz in Edmonton, 456 became a duo with longtime friend Michael Nunes after Neil relocated to Toronto. Nunes contributes his unique style of vocals and guitar, taking 456 to the next level of creation.
With an ambient, atmospheric foundation, Steep Hills Dollar Bills is a voyage through frequencies of our existence. Exploring Radiohead-esque sensations with plenty of attention paid to grooves and breaks; these 7 tracks cause the mind to wonder, the heart to feel, and the soul to float away.
I’m unable to pick a favorite. Each arrangement loads you in the spaceship and sends you off into a world full of wide open spaces.
Galaxies zoom by as the drums thrust you further and further away. The cosmos comes to life as carefully crafted melodies weave their way around grooving bass lines.
The electronic noises emanating from the spacecraft add a layer of futuristic delight as the mind continues to wander deeper and deeper into infinity.
Guylaine Sutton joins the journey for “In The Summertime” adding a sweeter topping to an already sweet platter of aural stimulation. Also joining the crew on “Chess Clubs of Siberia” is Neil’s brother Kevin.
Steep Hills Dollar Bills is perfect for fans of Thom Yorke, Flying Lotus or Kid Cudi. This is the soundtrack for which you turn up, kick back, and proceed to zone out.
This record was recorded and mixed by 456 in Toronto and mastered by Dan Mabee at Zounds of Sounds Recording Studio. The really dope artwork was created by Tyler Lemermeyer.
The album will not be available until September 16th. Visit 456’s website. This record is supported by Oak Apple Records.
Check out track 6, “Groove Shift”, from Steep Hills Dollar Bills below.