The Olympians

Ten years is a long time to wait for a sequel, but Toby Pazner and his 17-piece ensemble haven’t been idle. Since their 2016 debut, Pazner has been deep in the Daptone trenches touring as the keyboardist for Lee Fields, and that time on the road shows in the arrangements. While the first record leaned into the Greco-Roman mythology theme, In Search of a Revival feels more grounded and cinematic. It’s a 12-track instrumental journey that trades the "cosmic" vibe for a sound that feels more like a classic film score.

"It is a 17-piece masterclass in cinematic arrangement... the sound of coming back down to earth."

The opening movement sets a serious tone immediately. "In Search of a Revival Part 1" uses a dusty, western motif that flows right into "Strawberry Kiwi." This track is a solid example of the "Daptone sound"—blending psychedelic-funk grooves with horn arrangements that stay crisp without being overwhelming. The production here is surprisingly open; you can actually hear the separation between the percussion and the strings, which is a nice change of pace from the overly compressed soul revivals we've seen lately.

"California" is the track that stands out for sheer mid-century cool. It has that "Wrecking Crew" swagger, featuring clean, intentional lines and a driving rhythm section. For those of us who listen for the production value, the brass swells on this track are handled perfectly. They have weight and presence but never clip, allowing the analog texture of the recording to come through. It’s the kind of track that makes a strong case for why we still bother with high-end setups and vinyl.

The record takes an interesting turn with "Saraswati Puja," which brings in some Asian strings and percussion. It’s a bit of a departure, but it works because the core players—members of El Michels Affair and Menahan Street Band—know how to keep the groove anchored even when the instrumentation gets experimental. It feels like a "spy film" theme, keeping a steady urban rhythm while the lead melodies explore some darker, more atmospheric territory.

By the time you get to the closer, "Honey Bea," the record shifts into a more relaxed, melodic space. It’s a laid-back track influenced by late-era Beatles arrangements, providing a bright finish after the more tense, noir-inspired tracks like "Hollywood Cold." In Search of a Revival doesn't feel like a collection of b-sides or a rushed reunion; it’s a focused, well-engineered evolution of the band’s sound. It justifies the decade-long wait and earns its spot on the shelf next to the rest of the Daptone catalog.