Devils by Biomania
France based collective Biomania burst on the scene last year with expansive modern jazz compositions that straddle multiple parallel genres orchestrated by five exceedingly talented musicians.
Led by Parisian Saxophonist Thierry Lemaitre (ephemerals, Wolfgang Valbrun), the group began as a solo project which soon evolved into a full quintet. Since then the group have been turning heads, with support coming in from BBC6Music, FIP, and France Musique, as well as a plethora of live shows booked in for 2025, including multiple key venues in their native France.
There is more than a hint of cinematic 70’s composition influence on new single ‘Devils’ with a fluttering vamp that makes way for a memorable and emotive head over complex rhythms and ethereal synth notes. Despite the influences that are worn proudly on the sleeve it’s certainly no throwback or pastiche and boasts a modern production style (mixed and mastered by Asta Hiroki) that allows it to stand up proudly and comfortably in the current music scene.
Flavours of BADBADNOTGOOD surface with juxtaposed synths against the saxophone melodies both collectively ride ghost note drum lines producing a mystifying, otherworldly characteristic. The composition here brings to mind adventure and mystery.
Sonically the Biomania sound world frequently blends old-school elements with contemporary vibes inspired by the new hip-hop jazz wave (Butcher Brown, Soweto Kinch, Makaya McCraven, Yussef Dayes) as well as the soul producers Leon Michels, Holy Hive, Menahan Street Band often creating a bridge between live music and beats.
There’s also room for LeMaitre to flex his jazz credibility further with a beautiful solo that furthers the piece exponentially and provides yet another reason to enjoy the musicianship of this collective. ‘Devils’ is bound to be a highlight of their forthcoming album ‘System D’ which is due just a few short weeks after the single release so if this track whets the appetite then make sure you explore the full collection for an even broader listening experience.
Biomania is Thierry Lemaitre’s latest project. Initiated as a solo beat-making venture during the pandemic, the project soon developed in a new direction thanks to the four outstanding Parisian musicians who joined him. Their interplay is fresh and organic, mixing soul vibes, vintage hip-hop grooves, and jazz improv.