A truely ambitious project for Tru-Thoughts as only a 25 year old could imagine: ladies and gentlemen, Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra present Terra Coda!
After celebrating Tru Thought's 25th anniversary compilation 'Shapes 25' (see review HERE) we know the label is diverse to say the least, but then there's 'out-there' and Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra present 'Terra Coda' is definitely out-there.
Benji Bower (aka Unforscene) has left behind his nu-jazz, boken, boogie past for the time being, organised a 60-piece orchestra of Bristol's finest and put on his composer, pianist, producer, musical director hat to combine and record a modern classical/part operatic, part OST "ode to Earth'.
This has the professionalism of BBC at the Proms but with solemness of a cathedral service for the long lost. It's superb and it comes across like a soundtrack to a horror movie at times (like 'Descent') but it does leave you somewhat drained; but in a good way. 'Love Letter' features Kathleen Frances, a track Benji descibes as "beautiful yet crushing" (it''s a bit Anohni & The Johnsons with big strings) and that probably descibes most if not all the tracks here. 'Kalaallit Nunaat' featuring James Gow seems really sad as does 'Whale Lament' (as you'd expect from its title) whilst on the upside, there's 'Leviathan' that features the vibes of Harriet Riley) (what's with Bristol and leviathans? Check Ishmael Ensemble's review HERE)
Many of the musicians here have played with The Heritage Orchestra, Portishead, Massive Attack, The Cinematic Orchestra (and many more) and it certainly comes across.
This is a magnificent work that's Benji has based on Taoist theory of 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and even a QiGong practictioner would be left breathless after hearing this - at least check out the beauty in 'Perpetuus' to get a feel for this.
Artist: Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra
Title: Terra Coda
Release date: 11th Octomber, 2024
Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings
Catalog Number TRU460D
Format: Digital / Bandcamp
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