“To Build A Home” The Cinematic Orchestra ft. Patrick Watson

For those of you who know me, this really isn’t anything out of the norm that I’d talk about. But for those who dont, you’ll soon find out I’m not a fan of big label artists or mainstream …anything. Today I’ll be reviewing a song from a little known indie band from the UK. This isn’t your typical indie rock or punk band though. In fact, these guys are much more jazz oriented, using more classical instruments such as the trumpet, double-bass, saxophone, and piano. However, they do throw a twist in a lot of their songs, as they often add electronica and sometimes trip-hop beats and sounds to many of their songs. This particular song I’m reviewing/describing of theirs is completely accoustic.

However, indie or not, this band in particular really isn’t in my genre of interest. But i do believe that their beautiful new single, "To Build A Home" has provoked more emotion in me than any other song I’ve heard in the past 5+ years. It has a very subtle intro on the piano, then the focus smoothly transitions over to the soothing voice of Patrick Watson. Don’t know him? Me neither, but from this song alone, you can tell he has talent. I find it best at this point to just close your eyes, relax, and listen to everything, and create a world in your head to which his voice describes.

Slowly, the song picks up with some strings gently gaining momentum with the added thumps of the double-bass played by Phil France. Soon, the picture they are painting with both voice and music comes to life and the whole song seems to explode with sound in a strong, but still subtle manner. A crescendo of Patrick’s voice and the strings in the background mark both the climax, and the short-lived end to the song.

In the full 6 minute version of this song, there is a longer intro with just the piano and Patrick, and the ending isn’t quite as sudden as it is in the radio edit version. I find this song extremely relaxing, and I’m glad that I came across it by complete accident. It’s a beautiful song, and if you’re a little stressed and want chillax for a few minutes, this is the song for you. And who knows, you may like their other more jazz-driven songs as well. This song is from their latest album entitled "Ma Fleur".

Listen to the song i just described (and 3 others from both this album and their previous album) on their myspace, here:

http://www.myspace.com/thecinematicorchestras