Above & Beyond’s Latest Album is a Dazzling Sonic Journey

Above & Beyond’s Bigger Than All Of Us sees the trio utilize their signature elements and draw inspiration from their community to craft memorable soundscapes.

Turn back the clock two and a half decades, and you’ll find Jono Grant, Paavo Siljamäki, and Tony McGuinness taking their first steps forward as Above & Beyond. Yet before the trio began their journey into the limelight, a seed was planted, which blossomed to become Anjunabeats. This label turned into an all-encompassing brand, but even more powerful than the music and events has been the Anjunafamily community that began to follow it faithfully.

In a dance music scene that has become distanced from the ethos that helped define it, not to mention a world that’s in chaos, Anjunafamily has been a beacon of light. Those within this global community embrace the uplifting nature of the label’s music, but also the messaging found within it that aligns with the rave mantra PLUR – peace, love, unity, and respect. Those concepts have long been central to Above & Beyond’s music, but in their latest studio album, Bigger Than All Of Us, it might be the most pronounced.

It’s not about fame, it’s about family. The Anjunafamily is the reason this record exists. When we all come together, something beautiful happens. That’s what this album is. It really is bigger than all of us.
Paavo Siljamäki

Bigger Than All Of Us arrives on the heels of a period where uncertainty loomed for Anjunafamily members. The trio had begun to dabble in side projects, Anjunabeats had seemed to take a back seat to its sister imprint, Anjunadeep, and other news, like the cancellation of milestone events, stung for many. That didn’t mean all was lost – those explorations and pauses clearly allowed Above & Beyond to recharge, refocus, and find a renewed sense of direction. It was well worth being patient.

Tri-State and Oceanlab set the tone for the trio’s early work with soul-stirring lyrics and melodies that hit you in the depths of your core. Group Therapy and We Are All We Need opened the doors to an era that brought forth new, welcoming soundscapes that touched hearts and dripped with community. Bigger Than All Of Us isn’t those albums, and it isn’t Common Ground either. It’s a journey of its own, one that sees Above & Beyond look to the past eras and recent sonic adventures to craft a body of work that is definitive and dripping in the trio’s ethos.

It’s almost unfair how fantastic the 16 tracks that make up Bigger Than All Of Us are. Above & Beyond’s signature soaring melodies, hauntingly beautiful vocals, pensive moments, and dancefloor moments are littered throughout and polished to perfection. One minute you’ll find yourself dancing, while tears might swell in the next – it’s the type of emotional roller coaster you buy a ticket to ride and immediately jump back in line after to get another thrill.

This all begins with “Stepping In,” a track that flutters along in a hypnotic manner, serving as a nice mental reset to clear your mind. It’s off to the races from there as you’re immediately guided into even more majestic soundscapes.

Richard Bedford, who needs no introduction to Anjunafamily members, is one of the more prominent voices heard throughout Bigger Than All Of Us. “Start A Fire” features his booming voice over its soft beat that swells with intensity as it chugs along. That’s the first of his four features on this album, and the other three each offer even more to explore, even including some sultry breaks that pair well with his vocals on “Blood From A Stone.”

While each track stood tall, it was another one of Bedford’s, “‘Til I’m Home,” that stood out the most. From his vocal performance to the beat that harkens back to the days of Tri-State, the song’s pure trance energy will remind you of the powerfully uplifting magic that made Above & Beyond what they are today.

Meanwhile, this album wouldn’t feel complete without Zoë Johnston and Justine Suissa finding a home on a handful of tunes. “Carry Me Home,” “Quicksand (Don’t Go),” “Ride At Dawn,” “Heartland,” and “Lullaby” all strike deeply, with the two singer-songwriters’ vocal prowess prominently displayed. Each one offers something fresh, exciting, and soul-stirring along with it.

There are some fantastic new additions as well. Victoria Horn delivers a stunning performance on “When You Believe” as she reminds you to show the world love because it will love you back. “Letting Go” brings Malou into the mix, and her breathy vocals match with the uplifting energy that permeates the atmosphere on this gem.

Dig a bit deeper into that familiar meets fresh vibe, and you’ll see more begin to surface. Oliver Smith and Opposite the Other team up with the trio for “Here Before,” which is oozing with deep dancefloor energy. Others, like Andrew Bayer, PROFF, TheRio, and Dave Dresden of Gabriel & Dresden, all lent a hand in the album’s production or creative flow, making the familial aspect even more pronounced.

Above & Beyond set off to channel the togetherness that comes with the passionate family that they created on Bigger Than All Of Us, and it’s safe to say that they succeeded in that mission. The trio may be over two decades into their journey, but one can only hope that they continue to refine their sound by releasing captivating soundscapes like those found on this album. Bravo, boys.

Bigger Than All Of Us is available now via all streaming platforms. Listen to the album and follow Above & Beyond for updates on their upcoming tour dates and more.

Stream Above & Beyond – Bigger Than All Of Us on Spotify:

Above & Beyond – Bigger Than All Of Us – Tracklist:

Stepping In

Start A Fire (with Richard Bedford)

Carry Me Home (with Zoë Johnston)

Everywhere I Go

When You Believe (with Victoria Horn)

Quicksand (Don’t Go) (with Zoë Johnston)

Bigger Than All Of Us (with Justine Suissa)

Blood From A Stone (with Richard Bedford)

Into The Lights

Letting Go (with Malou)

Here Before (with Oliver Smith and Opposite The Other)

Sailing Off The End Of The World (with Richard Bedford)

Ride At Dawn (with Zoë Johnston)

Heartland (with Justine Suissa)

‘Til I’m Home (with Richard Bedford)

Lullaby (with Zoë Johnston)