At a time when the chill out thing substitutes blandness for maturity and mainstream dance music seems to be searching for its dummy again, J. Swinscoe's Cinematic Orchestra return to blow all your expectations.
Back in 1999, the group's debut record "Motion"set critical tongues wagging with its unique take on modern dance music production techniques and the sheer visual energy of its sound. Now the group return with a follow-up which is deeper than the ocean, packing a tremendous emotional punch, by turns mournful and celebratory and with a rigour that is so often lacking in contemporary cut and paste.
Across seven sweeping, dramatic tracks, the group take you on a journey through classic soul, jazz, choral pieces, sinking horn riffs, throbbing harp b-lines, minimalism and more. All imbued with a contemporary edge and an intellect that keeps things as far as is possible from lazy wallpaper wank. And with guests of the calibre of Fontella Bass (the writer and performer of '60s soul masterpiece "Rescue Me" and member of free jazz renegades the Art Ensemble of Chicago) and Roots Manuva (whose contribution to "All Things To All Men" involves the kind of lyrics that stay in your head for weeks), you know that you're in for something special.
So sit back, close your eyes and be prepared to enjoy the latest home movie from J. Swinscoe and his associates. It's anything but everyday…
