Reviews

Artist: Supine Orchestra
Album: Oil On Beaverboard
Label: Half Eaten
Tracks: 13
Website:http://www.myspace.com/supineorchestra

Either the recession has hit orchestras harder than I thought or the Supine Orchestra are a misnomer, what with them being a duo an all, but Orchestra does begin to give an idea of the philosophy of the band, think big and the rest will follow.

"Oil On Beaverboard" opens with "These Big Steps" which touches on the same territory of the likes of "Horse With No Name" and lays down one of many textures for the album. It's got that sort of west coast swingbeat that carries you into the album with pretty much your whole body gently swaying along, never a bad start.

The albums got a whole kickback and chill feel to it. It wants you to relax, take some time out and give it your attention. The dream pop quality enhanced by the inclusion of some great instrumentals and instrumental breaks that I found reminiscent of the scene in a Spaghetti Western, where the film's ultracool hero/gunslinger has his hat pulled over his eyes whilst his horse pulls him in a travois across the grasslands.

If that makes it sound a bit soporific, then don't be fooled, the only reason Supine Orchestra want you to relax is so you can listen to the lyrics away from the stresses and strains of the rat race and they are lyrics worth paying attention to, positively bristling with great phrasing and cunning observation.

As well as performing and writing the album, Richard Sykes and Joel Kendrick, also take control of the desk, ensuring that their attention to detail remains constant. It takes a lot of hard work to make something sound as effortless as "Oil On Beaverboard" all strength to them they seem to have this melodious folk pop pretty much off pat.

Neil King

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