System D by Biomania

France based collective Biomania presents a lavish display of Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop inspired electro Jazz with ‘System D’, an album packed with an exciting contrast of expansive modern jazz compositions and easy-listening tracks 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. Recognising the spark of a promising artistic venture, the band embraced the challenge of recording an album and soon had 10 pieces of orginal work in their unique style to show for it.

LeMaitre touches on the meaning of its use:

“the D stands for “débrouille”, a French slang term for resourcefulness. It’s a popular expression that refers to the ability to adapt quickly and improvise in adverse situations.”

The quote rings true when you look closer into the tracklist here, perhaps most poignant on ‘Dai’. Beginning with a dreamy landscape we are quickly thrusted into a head-bopping Hip-Hop inspired beat with a huge bassline. The track progresses, slowly meandering in and out of complex rhythms and sultry key lines until a collectively composed climax where somehow the five musicians are able to coalesce multiple solos into one piece that gels together seamlessly. Here they display the ability to riff off of each other's improvised material whilst still being completely locked in to the established grooves.

But there are many facets to this band's style. Their debut single ‘Dinosaur’ packs a mighty roar and displays not only keen musical ability, but also care and attention provided to the mixing and production provided by Folded Music label head Asta Hiroki across the full record. In this instance, the music sounds as though it has pulled material directly from a live show with vintage rock riffs that serve as a foundation for Lemaitre’ infectious saxophone hooks. Coupled with background elements that have an almost psychedelic feel to them, it’s clear that the band have taken the time to explore their abilities.

We also hear a similar level of exploration on ‘Devils’, where BADBADNOTGOOD influences surface with juxtaposed synth lines against a trilled sax motif glide over blossoming ride rhythms producing a mystifying, otherworldly characteristic. The composition here brings to mind adventure and mystery.

Sonically the soundworld of ‘System D’ 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. A link between the home studio and the stage, between machines and human beings within the biosphere.

And the talents of the group have already been turning heads, with support coming in from BBC 6 Music and FIP, as well as a plethora of live shows booked in for 2025, including multiple key venues in their native France. With all the above accounted for, it’s clear that Biomania are in for a whirlwind of a year revolving around the release of ‘System D’, and they are surely not to be passed up.

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.

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