Hidden Orchestra is a strong, crystallized musical entity that draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of genres, and with distinctive signature sound and style will take you on a far-reaching colorful journey through mysterious misty landscapes, filled with witchery and psychedelic ambience.
Hidden Orchestra is a quartet from Edinburgh, Scotland, and Archipelago is its second album, released in October this year. I discovered Hidden Orchestra in the beginning of 2011, and immediately grabbed its debut album, Night Walks, that was released in 2010. It was a very good call, as Night Walks was a breath of fresh air, a magnetizing gem. Taken by the quartet’s cunning and elegant mixture of organic and synthetic, I was looking forward to its new album, and now that it is here, I can tell you it does not disappoint. Nu jazz, electronica, electro-acoustic, future jazz—it’s all there, swirling, twisting, sparkling and pulsating.
Archipelago manifests the band’s further exploration of its dazzling self-created sonic universe, while also presenting new elements that were carefully and delicately woven into it, just in the right dose. It also demonstrates the band members’ growth as musicians. Just like Night Walks, Archipelago features several guest players that spice the album with some unique eclectic flavours—”New instruments contributing to the many layers of Archipelago include the musical saw of multi-skilled cellist Su-a Lee (as heard to spine-tingling, sci-fi effect on “Vorka”); clarsach and electro-harp from Scottish folk musician Mary MacMaster; clarinet care of Czech musician/composer Floex; and Phil Cardwell’s uniquely versatile trumpet tones.”
Hidden Orchestra is a strong, crystallized musical entity that draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of genres, and with distinctive signature sound and style will take you on a far-reaching colorful journey through mysterious misty landscapes, filled with witchery and psychedelic ambience. Constantly maneuvering and shapeshifting, Archipelago is a lively and energetic multilayered piece of music that provides uplifting incendiary moments, coupled with ethereal deep dive ones. Highly recommended.
Hidden Orchestra:
Joe Acheson :: Double bass, bass guitar, field recordings, electronics & other various instruments
Poppy Ackroyd :: Violin, viola & piano
Jamie Graham :: Drums & percussion
Tim Lane :: Drums, trombone, percussion & didgeridoo
Archipelago is available on Tru Thoughts. [Release page]
