A Cinematic Excursion To An Emotional Place: The Cinematic Orchestra's 'Ma Fleur'
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The Cinematic Orchestra's long awaited new album, 'Ma Fleur' was recently released to very divided reviews around the globe. The BBC online's reviewer called it a "reeking letdown... dreary and directionless", whilst the musicOMH.com critic wrote: "with its frequent emotional crescendos, then quiet dying away, 'Ma Fleur' is more than a match for its predecessors, and will undoubtedly cement The Cinematic Orchestra's reputation as intellectually sustaining performers of beautiful, emotive music'. 
All the reviews have presented quite a contrast, so it was with some trepidation that I approached the new album. However, I decided that I would give it a good listen rather than make hasty judgements, and I have to say that I'm glad I have, because this album is a real grower. Jason Swinscoe, The Cinematic Orchestra's founder and leader wrote 'Ma Fleur' as the soundtrack to an imaginary (and as yet, unmade) screenplay he worked on with a long time friend and collaborator. 
Some fans used to the band's familiar sound may feel that there is little solid here to grab onto, and it is true that the album is about spaces and feelings, with grand (but potentially pretentious) themes of the passage of time, life and death. However, given a sustained listen, it is impossible to not find the beauty and immensely moving flow within.The opening track, 'To Build A Home' has been derided in some reviews as being very stylistically like piano tracks from Coldplay but from what I know of them I can hear no comparison. Canadian newcomer Patrick Watson's guest vocals on this track are gorgeous, and help set the album up for the emotional journey that it takes you on.The second track, 'Familiar Ground' is a haunting song and one of the highlights of the album, with Fontella Bass on vocals. The legendary Bass is now in poor health, having suffered a series of strokes, and the track seems to reflect this frailty, and the fragility of life. 'Child Song', 'As the Stars Fall' and 'Breathe' are also highlights of this release. 
Where the album possibly falls down is in the title track, 'Ma Fleur' which is a slightly ponderous filler, and also the acoustic guitar track, 'Music Box' which despite the tender undercurrents feels like it could really have been recorded by a countless number of musicians. The album finale is the 8'42" long 'Time And Space'. This is a blissfully serene offering with ex-Lamb singer Lou Rhodes, which slowly unfolds into a beautiful track with supple beats and upbeat piano chords.Don't expect to be blown away immediately by The Cinematic Orchestra's new disc. Jason Swinscoe has evolved musically, and wants you to take the trip with him. This album requires some work of the listener, but is well worth the time for the exquisitely emotional journey it takes you. 8/10
All the reviews have presented quite a contrast, so it was with some trepidation that I approached the new album. However, I decided that I would give it a good listen rather than make hasty judgements, and I have to say that I'm glad I have, because this album is a real grower. Jason Swinscoe, The Cinematic Orchestra's founder and leader wrote 'Ma Fleur' as the soundtrack to an imaginary (and as yet, unmade) screenplay he worked on with a long time friend and collaborator. Some fans used to the band's familiar sound may feel that there is little solid here to grab onto, and it is true that the album is about spaces and feelings, with grand (but potentially pretentious) themes of the passage of time, life and death. However, given a sustained listen, it is impossible to not find the beauty and immensely moving flow within.The opening track, 'To Build A Home' has been derided in some reviews as being very stylistically like piano tracks from Coldplay but from what I know of them I can hear no comparison. Canadian newcomer Patrick Watson's guest vocals on this track are gorgeous, and help set the album up for the emotional journey that it takes you on.The second track, 'Familiar Ground' is a haunting song and one of the highlights of the album, with Fontella Bass on vocals. The legendary Bass is now in poor health, having suffered a series of strokes, and the track seems to reflect this frailty, and the fragility of life. 'Child Song', 'As the Stars Fall' and 'Breathe' are also highlights of this release. Where the album possibly falls down is in the title track, 'Ma Fleur' which is a slightly ponderous filler, and also the acoustic guitar track, 'Music Box' which despite the tender undercurrents feels like it could really have been recorded by a countless number of musicians. The album finale is the 8'42" long 'Time And Space'. This is a blissfully serene offering with ex-Lamb singer Lou Rhodes, which slowly unfolds into a beautiful track with supple beats and upbeat piano chords.Don't expect to be blown away immediately by The Cinematic Orchestra's new disc. Jason Swinscoe has evolved musically, and wants you to take the trip with him. This album requires some work of the listener, but is well worth the time for the exquisitely emotional journey it takes you. 8/10
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