Hive Mind

With Hive Mind, The Internet takes another bold step forward in their evolution, delivering an album that effortlessly marries sophisticated R&B with elements of funk, soul, and electronic experimentation. Released on 20th July 2018, this is the band’s fourth studio album, and it serves as a testament to their collective growth, both as individual musicians and as a unit. The album follows their previous releases with a more polished, mature sound, but it retains the laid-back, seductive energy that fans have come to expect.

Promoted through a series of enticing singles—including the funky, groove-heavy “Roll (Burbank Funk)” in April, the sultry “Come Over” in May, and the smooth, retro-infused “La Di Da” in July—the album arrived with much anticipation. Each single showcases the band’s remarkable ability to blend infectious hooks with intricate musicianship. The music videos for “Come Over,” which marked lead singer Syd’s directorial debut, and the vibrant visuals for “La Di Da” only added to the intrigue surrounding the album’s release.

Critical reception for Hive Mind has been overwhelmingly positive, with the album earning an 83/100 on Metacritic from 24 reviews. Pitchfork awarded the album an 8.3/10, praising its genre-defying production and the seamless blend of analogue warmth and digital precision. Carl Anka of NME called it “a towering demonstration of the collective intelligence of five artists approaching their zenith,” recognising the band’s creative chemistry at its peak. In a similar vein, Exclaim! noted that the album is a cohesive showcase of the band’s growth, with “no weak links” in sight—from the smooth production to the evocative songwriting.

One of the most striking elements of Hive Mind is the band’s ability to fuse hand-played instrumentation with electronic elements in a way that feels effortless. Jon Pareles of The New York Times praised the band’s unique ability to blend digitally processed sounds with live musicianship, describing the music as “imperceptibly melded,” where even the looped drums feel organic, the bass lines often pulling against the beat to create a more fluid, improvisational feel.

Hive Mind is a masterclass in subtlety and sophistication, with every track delivering a layered, nuanced experience. It is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new textures and details with each pass. From the jazzy interludes to the sultry hooks, the band’s chemistry is undeniable. The album feels like a snapshot of a collective at the height of their powers, with each member contributing something essential to the whole.

With Hive Mind, The Internet not only solidify their position as one of the most exciting and inventive bands in modern R&B, but also prove that they have the ability to evolve while staying true to their unique sound. This is an album that captures both the joy of collaboration and the beauty of individual expression, making it one of the standout releases of 2018.