A return to working for himself sees William Orbit turn out an album that sits somewhere between ‘special’ and, well, ‘music made for TV dramas’. In that it’s good but, as is invariably the case and certainly isn’t punishable, it does exactly what it says on the sleeve.
Expect no great realisation of genius. Do expect to enjoy an hour of plush, cool soundscapes and try to count the vast number of instruments and samples contained therein. Just listening to the album closer, ‘City Lights Reflection’, it’s not hard to believe that Orbit’s been dipping into orchestral production of late. That recent foray seems to have just added another string to his bow, so to speak.
Elsewhere, ‘Purdy’ takes the tempo up a notch, but it’s just as spacey as its neighbours, with a generous helping of unidentified synthetic sounds to indulge in. Like every other track, it’s sure to meet the requirements for many a television executive and his right hand music co-ordinator. But that’s only because of the ability, woven into every minute of the album, to move you; albeit to a sleep-like trance or, equally, to a restrained private rave. Restrained, that is, if you’re listening by yourself in the street. Otherwise, raise your hands.
Download via iTunes
- William Orbit - 14 May 2009
- M. Ward - 9 March 2009
- Chasing Ora - 9 March 2009