The wonderfully beautiful & extremely talented multi-instrumentalists are out on tour with their latest album, Diving For Roses and they are coming to Cardiff on April 7th!
An exciting new venue, Ocean Arts, will be hosting this special evening of fantastical music with support from local music-man Luke Bennett.
Below, we see what The Blackheart Orchestra are all about and you can check out my review of the album!
Award-winning British songwriters, composers and multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington are The Blackheart Orchestra. "The pioneering duo blend musical styles seamlessly sidestepping boundaries to create music huge enough to fill a cathedral. Always producing something beyond all easily marketed genres, their multi-instrumental sonic landscapes have always been too unpredictable for pop, too adventurous for the mainstream and too plain weird for folk.
Fusing acoustic fragility and pulsing electronica, The Blackheart Orchestra bring together stringed instrument dexterity with 80’s synthesisers and clear classical influences. Often mistaken for an 8-piece band on first listen, they are to be found on stage continuously changing from electric and acoustic guitars, bowed guitar, piano, organ, bass and electronic percussion to vintage synthesisers, omnichord and melodica in a complex choreographed weave of musical moods and textures. One moment their sound is minimal and molecular, the next a mountain-like wall of sound with vast symphonic climaxes."
"Their four critically acclaimed albums and mesmerizing live shows have won them obsessive worldwide fans, plaudits from musical giants and placements on TV commercials and films. Chrissy Mostyn’s haunting vocals, the Mike Oldfield-like multi-instrumental playing of Rick Pilkington plus their fearless combination of conventional and unconventional all reflect their self-created universe where art meets sound and words paint pictures that invite you on their deep musical journey into the human psyche."
The latest release from the Manchester duo is Wake Up and is accompanied by the most magical video, made whilst they were on tour in Germany.
"We created this video after we spotted a beautiful puppet-makers shop on Krämerbrücke, Erfurt. In the shop window is a mini Theatrum Mundi where for the price of just €1. The Story of Snow White is brought to vibrant life, we both instantly thought of our song Wake Up! The video was shot and edited on an iPhone through the glass of the shop window late one night. Total budget: €8! A huge thank you to Martin Gobsch for allowing us to film his amazing creation."
So. What can you expect from the latest album, Diving For Roses? Here's my review...
Chrissy’s voice is obviously the epicentre for this wonderful journey we are about to take, with The Blackheart Orchestra in the driving seat!
The album starts with the spell-binding Sebastian, followed effortlessly by Keep The Light In & Symphony, keeping you afloat along a line of pure and synthesised energy. The ethereal and haunting vocals on the beautiful Now That We Are Ghosts seem to transport you through on a wisp of fantastical emotion. The pulse beats and the heart pulls as soon as Right By Your Side begins, another exquisite track. The longest song on the album at just over 7 minutes, encapsulates everything that The Blackheart Orchestra is all about and it does, for sure, Hypnotize. You really get the feel of the progressive folk balance here and with eyes closed you could be anywhere!
Darling Africa, Wake Up and I’m Yours all take your heart and senses on a rollercoaster of artistic & musical wonder. It’s a beautiful ride to be on and like all good journeys, sometimes you can’t help but keep those eyes closed and be transported off to another realm. Born To Live brings a little power to this trip along the light fantastic before you are allowed to open your lungs and Breathe. Gorgeous harmonies and strong but brilliant musicianship envelops you in a mesmerising swirl of air.
Falling, the final track, superbly emulates the very best Kate Bush composition and is probably why it is one of the stand out tracks for me. It certainly leaves you wanting more.
Go to tracks – Sebastian, I’m Yours & Falling Rating – 4/5
If you want more, check out The Blackheart Orchestra in all the usual places -