Polyrhythmics feat. Adryon de León
Photo by Kelly Robbins
“Ten years deep into their collective journey, this project felt like something of a new beginning for these fellas. Filter System is filled with uptempo dance tunes, crunkadelic bangers, and dusty blunted safaris-in-sound; these boys bring deep grooves and party starters."
- Upful LIFE
“For past decade, Polyrhythmics have been making a case that not every act in the Emerald City is conditioned to aim for what Lemmy Kilmister might describe as “everything louder than everyone else.” In other words, unlike many of the groups that have made Seattle famous, you can actually dance to the band’s designed-to-intoxicate mix of Afrobeat funk, world-music blues, and mushroom-trip jazz. You will be moving to “Fly Trap”, because sometimes resistance is futile."
- The Georgia Straight
“Like the methods the band gleaned from Fela Kuti, hypnosis and surprise make up the sonic foundation for Polyrhythmics’ songs."
- American Songwriter
Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 16 years of sonic exploration, now entering their most exciting chapter yet with the arrival of vocalist Adryon de León as a full collaborative partner. Since forming in 2010, this powerhouse ensemble has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene.
Polyrhythmics emerged from the rich creative soil of Seattle's eclectic music community, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2011. Since then, their discography has grown to include fan-favorite albums such as Octagon (2015), Caldera (2017), Man from the Future (2020), and Life from Below (2025). Each release showcases their fearless exploration of genre boundaries and their commitment to crafting vibrant, deeply textured soundscapes.
The band's relationship with Adryon de León has been four years in the making. What began with electrifying guest appearances — including a landmark New Year's Eve show and festival stages across the country — grew into a full creative partnership. De León's vocal feature on "Smoke and Mirrors," from Life from Below, offered listeners their first recorded glimpse of the chemistry the band and its audiences had already witnessed live. Now, with the release of "Got to Be for Something," that collaboration steps fully into the spotlight. The first single from their forthcoming collaborative album — due in early 2027 — the track is rooted in the deep soul tradition de León draws from, channeling the weight and fire of Aretha Franklin's most powerful work. It's a bold declaration of what this band has become.
Over the years, Polyrhythmics have graced stages at major festivals and renowned venues across the United States and internationally, sharing bills with legendary artists while carving out a distinct space in the global funk and soul scene. Their music — equal parts danceable, thoughtful, and immersive — draws from the roots of American funk and soul while incorporating global influences that have only deepened with time.
As Polyrhythmics move forward, they do so with new voices, new grooves, and a renewed sense of purpose. The best moments, it turns out, are still ahead.