Submotion Orchestra – ‘Alium’ LP

Ahead of Submotion Orchestra’s UK album tour and their date in Manchester at the awesome venue Gorilla on the 8th November, we had a little look at their new album ‘Alium’.

Like most fans of SO, I was introduced to them live and was blown away. A few years ago a friend took me to see them at The Wardrobe, a regular haunt which they played frequently in their home city of Leeds. They’d released an EP with the spectacular song ‘Finest Hour’ on it, which later turned into a full length LP worth many a listen. The song also got a brilliant remix by Planas which gained notoriety in its own right.

Their newest LP ‘Alium’ is another fine addition to the 7 piece band, and it seems for the most part, dubstep has shaken off the idiocy and returned to the good vibes with Submotion leading the way in how it should be done. There is an elevated start to the album with ‘Awakening’, warming us up from a long slumber, bringing us nicely into the next track…’Time Will Wait’ with its rip roaring bass and Ruby Wood’s harmonious jaw dropping vocal range, starting at first husky and slow then as she does so well holding the notes firmer as the song builds into a frantic climax.

Now despite the album as a whole being a great listen right the way through, there are definitely a lot of stand alone tracks that shine too, ‘Chrome Unit’ is a raw, heavy gunning monster that I can only imagine gets better live. ‘Bring Back The Wolf’ is a the band jamming together at its best, ‘Rust’ is stunning, with Ruby Wood’s vocals standing out yet again, just floating effortlessly, Simon Bedoe’s trumpets come in slowly but firmly, and I have to say that the latter combintation works really, really well all the way through the album, with the lyrics giving the impression that the band have moved onwards and reflected on the past.

Having been fortunate enough to have seen them quite a few times in their earlier days, and recently on a festival stage this year at Parklife, I can safely say that this band is all about the live performance! Yes their music is amazing if you’re listening to it in headphones or on speakers, but to truly get a piece of what Submotion Orchestra do best, you need to go see them live! With Gorilla’s intimate setting and low stage, it’s highly recommended you check them out, you will not be disappointed.

Have a listen to the SoundCloud preview below and check more new music from the group here. You can get tickets for their 2014 tour on their website here.

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