Atomic by Emily Francis Trio
Atomic explores themes of conflict and turmoil, the importance of wellbeing, and even the supernatural, with the Trio’s customary approach to melody-driven, dynamically rich, and sonically ambitious compositions.
Keyboardist and bandleader Emily Francis projects melody and harmony with an emotional intensity and laser-like focus on one hand, but Atomic also finds her at her most free-wheeling to date, soaring with the crackling energy of her synth leads and mix of retro and futuristic sound designs.
Bassist Trevor Boxall juxtaposes the fundamentally ‘old-school’ character of his tone, bringing thunderous low end, with an exploration of what the bass guitar can deliver on a recording with effects-laden and other-worldly treatments.
Jamie Murray’s explosively creative drumming demonstrates an enormous, and at times, restrained, pocket, leaving space for moments of impulsive inspirational touches, backed by his peerless facility.
Atomic places melody front and centre, employing cinematic-style leitmotif, propelling the music forward with driving rhythm and groove. The sound palette plays a vital role in bringing characters within the music to life.
Influences for Atomic are also more widely drawn. The Trio is well-known for its blend of 60s/70s electro jazz, synth-heavy prog, and reflections of both the Scandinavian and New York scenes, the core of which are all felt here. However, Atomic also shows more direct pop leanings, as well as borrowing from vintage TV sci-fi themes, and 20th Century contemporary classical and film scores.
The music takes the smaller, the internal, and paints it on a large canvas, whilst addressing the big issues facing us today by bringing them down to a human level. All underpinned by an optimism and reflective joy in three musicians finding ways to further develop their understanding and push their boundaries.
Tracklist
| 1. | After The Rain | 3:55 |
| 2. | Lydian Child | 3:25 |
| 3. | Atomic | 5:25 |
| 4. | Don't Forget To Feed The Orchid | 5:01 |
| 5. | Lydian Child (Acoustic) | 3:29 |
Credits
Written, arranged and performed by Emily Francis Trio
Emily Francis: Keyboards, Synthesizers, Glass Harp, Piano
Trevor Boxall: Bass
Jamie Murray: Drums
Recorded at Livingston Studios, London, UK
Engineered by Marcus Locock & Ethan Brewerton-Harper
Mixed by Jason Kingsland, Atlanta, USA
Mastered by Neil Pickles at Pierce Entertainment Mastering, London, UK
Produced by Emily Francis, Trevor Boxall & Jason Kingsland
Photography by Leo Zoghaib
Art Direction and Design by James Flint & Alexandra Brittain
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Recommendations
A front runner of the "Prog-Jazz" genre, the Emily Francis Trio know no bounds when it comes to hard hitting riffs and sonic experimentation. Taking influence from the pioneers of British prog and the current New York electronic jazz scene, the band create a sound very much they're own, described as "a thing of rare beauty" by Jazzwise's Nick Hasted.