Vinyl Williams’ latest double LP Polyhaven / Portasymphony (out June 13 on Harmony Records) is a breathtaking dive into cosmic psychedelia—an album that expands the genius of Lionel Williams’ “celestial pop” into two distinct yet complementary universes .
🎧 Polyhaven immerses you in ultra-high-fi soundscapes: scintillating synths, lush guitars, and ethereal vocals that shimmer like bioluminescent stardust. The label’s name—a floating island in the sky—captures the feel perfectly: immersive, weightless, and otherworldly .
📻 Flip the record and enter Portasymphony, a charmingly lo-fi counterpart built with warm analog textures and tape hiss. Here, minimalist grooves and intimate tones reveal Williams’ playful side, softer but just as mesmerizing .
Standout tracks like “Extra-Life” (from Polyhaven) radiate kaleidoscopic synth lines that transport you into hyper-saturated dreamscapes . Meanwhile, the lo-fi grooves of Portasymphony offer a cozy, intimate counterpoint reminiscent of a warm, late-night tape loop.
Musically, this album feels like the shimmering heir to Williams’s previous cosmic work, now turned up to eleven: lush, experimental, and pop-infused, drenched in shoegaze, ambient jazz, and chilled-out psychedelia . Packaging is equally stellar—expect a gatefold LP with a lenticular cover that ripples as you move, a perfect visual for the music’s shifting, multidimensional quality .
What sets Polyhaven / Portasymphony apart is the blend of immersive, dreamy production with Williams’ knack for melodic hooks—proof that deep experimentation and emotional resonance can coexist beautifully. Whether you’re dancing in the clouds or cozied in low-fi warmth, this album offers a compelling sonic journey you’ll want to revisit.
Rating: 9.5/10 — A CLASSIC visionary double-feature that showcases Vinyl Williams at his most bold, inventive, and beautiful.