Symphony Orchestra

The debut from Symphony Orchestra falls far from the implications of the band name with hardly a string or tympani coming within fifty feet of the collaboration between songwriters Michael Rault and Maximillian Turnbull. Instead the record finds a middle ground between Turnbull’s psych-funk slalom with Badge Epoch Ensemble and Rault’s own ‘70s pop prowess. With a disco slink and a heart swollen with blue-eyed soul, the record reflects the disco ball dazzle off of its sequined veneer. Turnbull gives the record its greased pulse, packing a potent punch of rhythm into the heart of the record, though it tumbles outside of the limber lounge of Badge Epoch’s jazz formations. Both artists share an affinity for the ‘70s that ripples through the record, manifesting as an extension of disco’s early days, when dance was at the core but there were still also quite a few rough edges and a lot of bleed between genres.

The record skates into view, unbuttoned deep under the hot lights. From the mirrored glitter of “Radiant Music,” to the prog-funk hammer of “Concerto” the album refuses to be backed into a corner. The first half feels a bit more carefree, letting the second half slide towards the neon reflection from half-filled gutters on “Concerto” and the dark, Hall n’ Oates meets Heldon closer “Milky Blue.” The record finds both players working outside of expectations and that freedom lets both songwriters explore the underside of their usual palettes — a record that turns groove into kaleidoscope colors over a breathless seven slices.

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