Submotion Orchestra - Fragments (2012)
(Spotify Link)Here's one of my favorite electronica albums of the decade from a band known as Submotion Orchestra, based in Leeds. As you may know, the UK is a thriving environment for electronic music and the birthplace of many of its sister and sub-genres. To label Submotion Orchestra as "House music" would not do the music justice. The band incorporates sounds of jazz, ambient
lounge, and even dubstep into their music. Don't let this alarm you, though; the aggressive sounds of americanized dubstep that many people have come to associate the term with is not present here.
The sound of Submotion Orchestra is gentle, yet fierce. As their name suggests, they manage to incorporate a wide array of instruments similar to that of an orchestra, from strings to trumpets, to electric keyboards. One of my favorite elements of their sound is the beautiful singing by lead vocalist Ruby Wood. Her voice adds a layer of soothingness and grace to each song. Great drums, beats and overall production also make this album a pleasant listen.
There's not much else to say, other than I think that his album is perfect for winter. I'm glad I ended up being able to share it during these depressing winter months, as it usually brings me joy to listen to this album around this time. If you're a fan of this album, they have another LP on the way due in February (they actually released a single today).
Let me know what you think of this album. I'm interested to know how you all feel about it.
 (Spotify Link) Here's one of my favorite electronica albums of the decade from a band known...){kind=link}
I did not like this album and could not finish it all the way through. I would characterize it as "entirely forgettable." I didn't like the leader singer's voice...I
ReplyDeletefound it to be extremely generic. This is the kind of music I expect to hear at a H&M or other big clothing store. While you did mention there would be hints of dubstep in the music, I heard more of it then I would usually care to. I'm glad the album brings you joy and makes you happy (seriously, not being sarcastic); different strokes.
I know that's two albums in a row now that I could not finish. I'm sorry.
I liked this album but I don't think it was particularly memorable or attention grabbing. I appreciated the use of so many different instruments and I didn't even mind the dubstep really, which was surprising to me. This is not really the type of music I choose to listen to often and when I do it's usually as background music when I need to focus on homework or something. I think Sam is right about the singer's voice being forgettable. The way I feel about her voice is the way I feel about the whole album: it's pleasant to listen to but after a bit it's just kinda boring.
ReplyDeleteSo, I listened to this three times. Twice as background music and once more in depth. I gotta say, it was a slog for me. I thought what they were doing was interesting and a few of the tracks were certainly pretty enjoyable, but I found myself getting a headache after listening. When I had it on in the background, I'd think I had listened to most of it, only to find out it had only been one or two songs.
ReplyDeleteI feel like they try to incorporate so much that they almost hold themselves back, if that makes sense. Like if they focused more on one aspect of the sound they created on this album, it would be more interesting, because as it stands now it sounds like something (as Sam said) I'd hear at some clothing store.
Sorry we haven't been positive in our responses, but I commend you for posting something different. That's the point of what we're doing. This broadened my horizons and I appreciate that. Maybe I'd like it more if I heard it in the context of being out on the town.
I have to say when I first queued up this album I was immediately hooked. The first 3 tracks are fantastic in my opinion. Intro is simply great as an opener and a very satisfying slow build where the ever expanding layering of instruments really sucks you in. That track feels like it flows very well into Blind Spot which feels like the opening of the first act of the album so to speak. Finally, Thinking is just a very solid track that kept the hype going.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do think this album is pretty front heavy. There were tracks later in the album I also enjoyed, such as the dubstep heavy Thousand Yard Stare, but in general I think the earlier tracks outshine later ones. I also think that this album treads over similar sounds a little too often thus providing some diminishing returns.
On a more neutral note, I don't think I'd consider this particularly novel. However, I do think that this style of House is very well put together on here. I appreciate that the dubstep elements aren't in your face. I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of muted brass as well. I also feel like the tracks are unique enough that I don't feel like I'm listening to one giant set; something that turns me off of some electronic albums. I think musically the biggest thing I didn't enjoy was the lead's voice. It felt fairly generic to me.
All in all, a very solid album. Fuck the haters above me, good pick!
Sorry for my late ass response!!! I really enjoyed listening to this record. I agree with Erik, the front end of the album is so much better than the later half. When I first heard Snow I was like "holy shit this is so sexy", easily one of my favorite tracks.
ReplyDeleteI honestly didn't mind the vocals that much. They aren't particularly memorable but they didn't take away from the overall listening experience imo. I enjoyed the mix of sounds and I think they were put together very well. I'm always a fan of jazzy electronic beats and I think this album does a decent job with that vibe.
I will say, this record isn't as cohesive as I would've liked it to be. Some of the tracks seem out of place, especially towards the end. But overall, I'm quit glad to have been introduced to Submotion Orchestra and I've saved the album for future listens!