The east of England isnโt known for its trip-hop scene, even less so for producing bands ascribed to make a sound thatโs a mix between that and chamber music. Yet somehow, out of their folksy Norfolk homeland, Wooden Arms have emerged.
The quintet, led by classically trained pianist Alex Carson, have just released their first full-length album, โTrick of the Lightโ, ahead of a European tour encompassing England and Germany this December. And if the album, which follows on from the bandโs โTideโ EP back in 2014, is anything to go by then you should catch them sooner rather than later.
The album shines brightest when it fuses these traditional flavours with the underlying intensity of its rhythmic beats
Wooden Armsโ sound relies heavily on classical influences, and thereโs piano and string melodies here that catch you off guard with their subtlety and depth. The slow intricacy of later tracks like โMovie Stallโ could belong comfortably within Britainโs contemporary folk scene if taken in isolation. But the album shines brightest when it fuses these traditional flavours with the underlying intensity of its rhythmic beats, most impressively in the cinematic โCole Porterโ.
The line between styles is trodden carefully, with the unifying factor Carsonโs uplifting, though mournful vocals. They disguise their electronic influences more so than bands like Submotion Orchestra, and although the beat that kicks in on โLost in Your Own Homeโ has a hint of alt-J about it, thereโs little melodrama here.
This album is a testament to experimentation, and points to a future youโll want to watch.
Lauren Laverne has declared herself a fan of Wooden Arms, and their singles have received airplay from a number of other BBC 6Music DJs. In their jazzier moments, they stray into the territory of acclaimed renegades like GoGo Penguin and BadBadNotGood, whose fans will find much to like here regardless.
Towards the end, Iโm left wanting to hear the group push just that little further from their classical roots, but, hey – they have time left for that. This album is a testament to experimentation, and points to a future youโll want to watch.