++ALBUM++ review by Jonathan Falcone
Jonathan Falcone reviews eponymous debut from North Sea Radio Orchestra
It has to be said that the North Sea Radio Orchestra (NSRO) are doing something really quite special. A collaborative of 20 plus performers their music reinvigorates the classical format with arrangements of absolute, and more defined, beauty.
"There's the inspired swerve from mediaeval chants to Morricone-esque scores"
Varying predominantly from acoustic guitar instrumentals to full on orchestral pieces, (xylophones, gongs and all) there's the inspired swerve from mediaeval chants to Morricone-esque scores ('Every Day Hath Its Night') to the heartstring snatcher and exploration of counterpoint in 'Chimes.' Every song is played with assurance and caresses the ear with ease.
The most obvious contemporaries would be to God Speed You Black Emperor or the orchestral compositions of Brian Eno in their 'post' approaches, yet NSRO are far too uplifting to really align with the former, and more substantial in melody than the latter, allowing a more suited comparison in the sonic blankets of Gorecki and the tearfully simple beauty of Arvo Part, even the explorations of orchestral ambience from contemporary Max Richter.
North Sea Radio, in their ability to ebb and sway and permeate through styles without erring away from the constant series of lush orchestrations, have created the most beautiful album of the year and could surely sway even the most ardent distortion-pedal freak to step back and open their minds and hearts to this.
++ Jonathan Falcone ++
Artrocker rating: 4
The newest sounds as heard in the Artrocker Office and our Resonance FM podcast.
++ full details ++
