Albums | Electro-soul guitarist/producer Phyphr unveils debut LP Catalyst

Posted by VMan on March 2, 2023

Guitarist/producer Phyphr is one of Denver’s most hotly-tipped talents, making waves with his electro-soul stylings and funky, electronic songwriting. Dedicated to inspiring his listeners, the artist has a DIY, self-produced ethos that’s intrinsic to his artistic expression and messaging: for Phyphr, everyone should be empowered to find their passion and make positive change for themselves and the world. 

Phyphr’s own hard work and focus have led to a unique performance style that blends live guitar playing with immaculate electronic production – a vibrant mix that’s earned him opportunities to perform alongside acts like The Floozies, Daily Bread, Manic Focus, SoDown, and Maddy O’Neal.

Now, the dynamic maestro releases his debut album, Catalyst – a genre-hopping, full-length LP that’s brimming with raucous beats, textural grooves, and indelible hooks. Chronicling Phyphr’s ongoing journey as an artist, Catalyst is designed to spark creative inspiration in his listeners through vivid, relatable storytelling and honest reflection.

Fans got their first tastes of Catalyst with the blues-inflected “Seven Days,” featuring fellow Denver-based producer Kaptain; the boisterous, bass-fueled “Down The Street”; “Still Turnin’,” a bouncy homage to the glory of used record stores and finding musical gems in their dusty bins; and “Reaction,” a hip-hop-infused electronic cut that stays true to the LP’s central message. 

The creative versatility and motivational spirit of Catalyst is perfectly encapsulated in the track “In The Clouds,” an amorphous collaboration with fellow-Denver genre-bender Manic Focus. Filled to the brim with summery guitar licks, infectious bass wubs, trumpet samples, and expertly chopped-up vocal samples, “In The Clouds” is a jubilant and vivacious sonic experience that sets a free-spirited vibe for the rest of the LP. 

There’s also tracks like “Connection,” a 70s-funk pastiche recontextualized through a modern electronic lens. With groovy basslines, synth melodies, and vocoder-inflected vocals mixed with propulsive drum patterns, deep bass, and twangy blues guitar parts, “Connection” is a masterful genre-traversing track that brings its vintage aesthetic into a futuristic setting. 

Catalyst is rounded out by tracks such as the hazy, laid back “Long Way Out,” the space-age dubstep track “The 80’s,” and the anthemic “Where You Are,” a collaboration with vocalist Kanika Moore and electronic music keyboardist Jason Leech (who’s opened for Galantis, GRiZ, and Big Gigantic). 

With intricately concocted electronic bangers and soundscapes complemented by a contagious aura of positivity, Catalyst acutely introduces listeners to Phyphr’s sonic and philosophical sensibilities – a combination that is sure to charm any fans new or old and inspire them to chase their dreams. 

This spring, fans can catch Phyphr’s live performance prowess at shows across Colorado in support of jamtronica band Sunsquabi before his headlining slot at Denver’s art experience space Meow Wolf Denver in April. This summer, the producer will head to Illinois for Summer Camp Music Festival before returning to Colorado again for Sonic Bloom.