Cinematic Orchestra’s panoramic limits

The England-based Cinematic Orchestra has
secured a space within the genres of jazz, electronica
and pop music with 2007’s “Ma Fleur.” However, a
question lingers: How versatile is this space?

Having spread its roots in the post-rock/downbeat
jazz sector, the Cinematic Orchestra is growing further
and further into the pop realm.

Opening track “To Build A Home,” featuring vocalist
Patrick Watson, stirs up a gentle series of cloudy
tracks, setting the mood of the album. The songs settle
one into the next, their lyrics producing a narrative of
melancholy told through several voices. These voices
are those of Fontella Bass and Lou Rhodes, as well
as Cinematic’s usual cast of characters.

The seemingly effortless flow and ease of production
help the album as a whole. However, the
individual tracks come off as slightly unimaginative,
though soothing and portraying clinical craftsmanship.
I picture falling snow when I listen to this
album.

Three out of Five on The Burn-O-Meter