Orbit 1. Recitals

Last week readers of the blog could meet Recitals for the first time. On 26 August the band's album was released. The expectations set by single 'Gradiant' were met alright and then some. On Orbit 1 Recitals presents itself as a band with one foot in tradition and one in a total universe of its own. It is better to stop speculating about what it is in the water there in New Zealand and just accept that a lot of very talented musicians thrive there in the near perfect isolation.

Recitals is from Dunedin, the final bigger town on New Zealand's south island and not the first act from there on this blog. There may not be a city further removed on this earth from where I live than Dunedin. Most likely Recitals would never have reached my ears, were it not thanks to the Flying Nun Records and store's newsletter. A true recommendation for all with an interest in more alternative music and then especially for the store's record label's releases and tips on other New Zealand acts.

Orbit 1 is the kind of record that takes those who put it on on a trip. Expect fine songs, some experiments but always a true listening experience. Because of the trumpet often being the lead instrument, I am constantly reminded of Soft Cell's 'Torch'. Recitals does not play electronic pop and still some of the songs on Orbit 1 have that melancholy feel 'Torch' (and 'Say Hello Wave Goodbye')  has. An instant feeling of loss and feeling lost comes through in the music. It is here that Recitals has one foot strongly set in a pop tradition.

The more traditional part is that the band is obviously influenced by alternative music of the past decades. From a more modern band like Warpaint, all the way back to the punk and new wave era of the later 70s. All the difference comes from Tharushi Bowatte, playing his trumpet.

In the way Recitals presents its music, is where the other foot can be found. The seven piece band, is not afraid of colouring outside the prescribed boxes. The result is sonic adventures that go beyond "traditional", alternative (rock) music. All sort of sounds come in, and time signatures, that make the atmosphere of Recitals change time and again, without the album becoming incoherent for one second. No matter how much I like Warpaint's latest album, Orbit 1 presents the trance inducing songs so much more exciting, and, no, that's not just because of the trumpet. Take 'The Pip'. There are sounds coming from everywhere. The bass is prominent, the keyboards produce little high notes, almost like little bells, a modest wall of sound supports the whole and only then comes that trumpet that explores the course already plotted by the band. The release, when the band decides to explode is, certainly, nice, but also not necessary. 'The Pip' had made its point long ago.

What remains is a comment on the beautiful and oh so dreamy voice of Xanthe Rook who often takes the lead, while playing bass. It brings to mind fairytales, including the dark side of fairytales, something often overlooked by all the little pink princesses. In that Recitals finds a match in Dutch band Elenne May. So, if you down under start listening to Elenne May (https://elennemay.bandcamp.com/), we'll return the favour to Recitals some more!

I am able to listen to Orbit 1 since a few days and am sure I will have many more pleasurable moments with the album. Had I lived close to the record store in Wellington, I would have had me that beautiful silver-grey coloured album immediately. Distance prevents that. The digital version will have to do. At this point it is totally satisfying, as another truly fantastic album has come out of New Zealand and may well be its best of 2022. This is a must listen, folks.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Orbit 1 here:

https://recitals.bandcamp.com/album/orbit-i