Submotion Orchestra - Alium

A few years back, I had my first encounter of this Leeds based 7 -piece band at Norwich Arts Centre; they blew my socks off. Since then, Submotion Orchestra's reputation has grown thanks to two excellent albums and their tremendous live performances. They sound distinctive, mashing up numerous genres including jazz, electronica and soul; Alium takes that existing sound and moves it to the next level. 

 The opening track, Awakening, has an apt name giving us the indication that the band has awoken from a two year slumber to bombard us with their awesome arrangements and heavy bass. The good times don’t stop, whether it be the mesmerising vocals on Time will wait, the brilliant multiple layers on Chrome Units or the beautifully atmospheric finale Worries, this album just keeps on giving. Described as ‘a true group effort’, every band member was involved with writing and recording and it’s evident throughout. For example, the quality of Ruby Wood’s vocals are beautiful and emotional to say the least, but I have to applaud the instrumental tracks in which she steps back and just let's the music do the talking.