It took me a while to decode ‘Orchestrope’; frankly, I believe I have only scratched the surface. A long and cathartic album, the record builds its quirky identity on experimental pieces, pushing the boundaries between classical music, electronica and ambient tones. There are also some ‘concrete’ influences, making ‘Orchestrope’ a truly epic and mind-blowing effort.
Helen Yee is the talented creative behind it: a violinist and composer based in the US, Yee has long researched sound design and eclectic performance techniques, integrating her instruments with tools such as Ableton Live and live looping. The result of such nuanced artistic work sees ‘Orchestrope’ flourishing into string-powered tracks, while also delving into industrial and abstract noises. Over nine carefully constructed episodes, Yee takes the listeners on a spiritual and evocative journey, one that you won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Spoken words have their place too, especially in ‘Ancestors’, one of the most magical tunes on the record. Speaking about the inspiration behind her work, Helen explains: “After years of being mainly a collaborator, I’m truly proud of how this solo album came out. It captures what I care about in music –– sound, emotion, melody, dramatic arc. People have said they can see movies in their minds as they listen.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Orchestrope’ on Spotify:
