Former The Low Anthem member Jocie Adams has gone solo and created the most enchanting of albums as Arc Iris, leaving an impression like early Joanna Newsom meets Bugsy Malone.
The Newsom comparison comes from this set’s winding and magical melodies mixed with the childlike vocals of multi-instrumentalist and NASA researcher Adams. The whole thing is like an opera, full to the brim with ideas.
While some moments may be a little theatrical, the astounding musicianship and production pulls it back, from the thick woodiness of clarinet and raucous cupped trumpet to the unbelievable percussion and strings. It’s like The Last Waltz swapping Dylan for Bacharach.
7/10
Words: Gemma Hampson
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Related: Clash Premiere: Arc Iris’ ‘Whiskey Man’
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Listen to ‘Arc Iris’ in full via Deezer…