With their sophomore release two, the rising PHO use funk as a vehicle to explore their “Minneapolis sound” influences with torch in hand. Intimate and soulful, intense and highly energetic, the new album comes sprinkled with psychedelia and hip-hop, while maintaining the tight arrangements of funk tradition. The thirteen tracks, which were produced by John Davis, feature Kirk Johnson of Prince’s New Power Generation on percussion. Recorded in Cannon Falls, Minnesota at the legendary Pachyderm Studio (‘Nirvana-In-Utero’), there was no shortage of vintage vibe amidst a playground of old ‘70s synths and classic guitars, all articulated in the expansive array of musical colors ever-present throughout the mix.
 
The youthful PHO has been proving their funky prowess to the national music scene with powerful live shows that leaves crowds in awe. They’ve achieved this stature alongside big names in the business, including The Motet, Dam-Funk, Dopapod, Dumpstaphunk and many more.
 
PHO has been acquiring new fans with each appearance, but in the winter of 2016 they attracted a truly unexpected fan when Prince caught a live performance from their YouTube page, which prompted an invite to open for Larry Graham (Graham Central Station) at the iconic Paisley Park in Chanhassen, MN. That performance triggered another Prince Tweet: “Come back anytime. Just Holla.” Having the blessing of “The Purple One” before his untimely death has pushed PHO to continue cultivating the Minneapolis sound’s legacy, and with the release of two, PHO promises to bring a new and exciting brand of funk to the world.

 

The seven-piece Minneapolis funk band is set to embark on Colorado tour June 22-25 alongside Dallas-based Funky Knuckles