EP REVIEW: The Orchestra (For Now) – Plan 75

‘…something that manages to carefully balance being wildly experimental with producing music that is enjoyable, engaging, and surprisingly accessible…’

Born out of the celebrated Brixton Windmill scene, and rising from the ashes of a previous project, The Orchestra (For Now) have been on the lips of many music aficionados for quite some time now. This experimental outfit meld influences from chamber pop, art rock, and jazz to produce something that defies conventions; their debut single, released last year, is an eight minute behemoth.

This month saw the band release their debut EP, ‘Plan 75’, which revisited some of their music from previous endeavours, and saw it polished up for their true debut release. In the process, they have produced something that manages to carefully balance being wildly experimental with producing music that is enjoyable, engaging, and surprisingly accessible.

What is immediately apparent about The Orchestra (For Now) is that this is a band acting in complete defiance of expectations. Between the orchestral instrumentals, unconventional song structures, and vocal delivery that focuses less on melody and more on feeling, ‘Plan 75‘ possesses a sound that wholly belongs to this band. Opening track ‘Escape From New York‘ evolves from a meandering, melancholic introduction, featuring little more than sparse keys and morose vocals, to an absolutely incendiary climax that leans in a noise-rock direction.

‘Skins‘ rolls forwards with a repeated orchestral motif and subtly absurdist lyrics that perfectly embody the sensation of crisis. The looping melody in the back half, interspersed with instrumental trills and vocal screams, is brilliantly executed.’The Strip’ is a dizzying circus of sounds, as thunderous percussion crashes away beneath dramatic keys and frenzied vocals. The breakdown in the back half is devilishly good, with screamed vocals layered over a jagging, looping melody.

The highlight, however, is undeniably the band’s debut track, ‘Wake Robin‘. This is a wildly theatrical number that once again employs slightly absurdist lyricism in a manner that perfectly balances both the mundane moments and hustle-bustle of life. The tracks rises up steadily with meandering strings and haunting yet understated vocals, before crashing down in flurries of complex percussive rhythms and soaring instrumental melodies. It’s an undeniable feat of musicianship from start to finish.

There seems to be little doubt that The Orchestra (For Now) are going to be the next indie darlings, following in the footsteps of the likes of Black Country, New Road and black midi. Not only do they possess the talent and creativity that made these acts so acclaimed, but a further star quality that is impossible to truly describe. When you listen to The Orchestra (For Now), you don’t merely enjoy the songs, you are transported to their absurd little world, and thanks to that repeat button, you never have to leave it.

RATING: 80/100 – Very Good

For Fans Of: Black Country New Road, The Family Crest, The Last Dinner Party, The Dear Hunter, The Last Shadow Puppets

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify