Bristol ecological Jazz-Fusion outfit The Other Way release the new single ‘Archeopteryx’ (March 5th) – the first single to be taken from their hotly anticipated debut album ‘Learning to Be’ (May 3rd), released to coincide with their upcoming slot at Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
Led by trumpet player, composer, and conservationist Rowan Porteous, The Other Way has already captured audiences with their unique, progressive sound, poetic lyricism and vibrant musicianship. Capturing a unique blend of genres, combining their jazz tendencies with elements of folk and soul to create a sound that defies easy categorization.
A mesmerising track inspired by Thomas Hardy’s poem of the same name, the first single to be taken from the new album, ‘Archeopteryx’, showcases the bands unique sonic approach and vibrant musicality in a euphoric fashion. Opening with choppy, high-energy drums, layers of soulful backing vocals, and modulation tinted keys, all surrounded by wide panning bubbling electronics, The Other Way instantly displays the band’s unique blend of musical styles. As the soaring led trumpet enters, the track is pulled forward to a tight chord sequence which sets the president for the track.
Led by the commanding, effortlessly controlled and warming tones of vocalist Elly Hopkins, ‘Archeopteryx’ is given a central hook between the free intensity of the instrumental breaks.
Speaking about the track Rowan Porteous explains, “The lyrics on this one are based on Thomas Hardy’s poem, ‘In A Museum’, which is about Archeopteryx – the first bird, which lived in the Jurassic period – and about Hardy’s feelings on seeing a fossil in a museum.” The song features what the band affectionately calls the “dinosaur stomp”, a rhythm that pays homage to the prehistoric era.
The single serves as a first taste of what’s to come on ‘Learning to Be’, an album deeply rooted in Porteous’s experiences in nature conservation and personal struggles. “This album is a culmination of years of toil and sweat, not to mention depression and confusion,” says Porteous. “It is rooted in my despair at the destruction of the natural world, and my worry for the future my son will inhabit, but it seems to flower into a spiritual sense of hope and possibility.”
Produced by Martin Pavey (known for his work with Julian Bahula and sound design for Ben Wheatley’s films), the new single offers a transformative listening experience, filled with rich textures and thought-provoking lyricism. The album features Porteous alongside vocalists Elly Hopkins and Billie Bottle, as well as musicians Guillaume Ottaviani and Emma Holbrook, each bringing their own unique touch to the music.
The Other Way are:
Rowan Porteous – trumpet and sampler
Elly Hopkins – vocals and guitar
Billie Bottle – keyboards and vocals
Guillaume Ottaviani – bass
Emma Holbrook – drums
FOLLOW THE OTHER WAY
https://www.theotherwayband.com