“…capable of extraordinary and sublime things.”

London nu-gaze future-pop quintet Shadow Orchestra, are back in the studio working on their new album, due for release Autumn/Winter 2011. Following the critically acclaimed Remaker EP, the album will be the first by the band since becoming a five piece.

Formed in 2006 by producer and cellist Chris Bangs, 2010’s Remaker was the follow up to Shadow Orchestra’s eponymous debut album. True to its name the EP showcased Bang’s sound re-developed, re-interpreted, remade, through working with a fully formed band. Joining Bangs on cello are Kat Arney on harp, Dave Oliver on drums, Nick Siddall on guitar and Mary Erskine on Vocals and Keys. Together they blend disparate musical elements into a blistering pop aesthetic.

After the release of Remaker, the latter part of 2010 saw the band play Bestival, Secret Garden Party, Sunrise, Festinho, the Union Chapel and a main stage slot at Meadowlands festival. The band have built a reputation for their storming live sets resulting in high profile gigs at the Big Chill Festival, support for DJ Krush and Quantic Soul Orchestra, Daedelus, Mira Calix and DJ Vadim, amongst others.

This new album promises to be different again. Chris Bangs says “The tracks have evolved from jams, which I have taken away, remixed and given back to the band to re-interpret again, a kind of live sampling as it were. We’ve tried to keep everything quite light, and wanted to go for a more stripped back sound than earlier material. It’s a kind of cut and paste aesthetic mixed with analogue synths.”

The new material uses a mix of electronic and conventional instrumentation drawing influences from Kraftwerk, David Holmes, Primal Scream, Berlin era Bowie and early Eno to Battles and The XX. It takes an increasingly instrument-driven approach, as opposed to the band’s earlier more electronic work.

In Autumn 2010 Shadow Orchestra scored the soundtrack to feature film “Junkhearts” starring Eddie Marsan, Tom Sturridge and Romola Garai. The cast and crew screening was held at BAFTA in March 2011. The film is due for cinematic release later this year, and will be screened at the London Film Festival in October 2011.

Although 2011 has seen the band focus on finishing their album, they’ve taken time out of the studio to play Simple Things in Bristol and the 2011 Sunrise festival to name just two, as well as a live acoustic session for WahWah 45′s DJ Dom Servini. Mary and Kat from the band also produce the eclectic Shady Ladies monthly podcast, which has rapidly gained a following of listeners around the world.

“…ambient …haunting …experimental and superb sets”

Susie Wild, Kruger Magazine

“…The Shadow Orchestra is capable of extraordinary and sublime things.”

ukmusicsearch.com

“ …like taking a wander through one of Escher’s fantastically complex drawings, where an atmosphere of perfect order and symmetry temporarily evaporates to reveal a landscape of chaotic reverie.”

Damien Roach, 8i8