I first uncovered the treasure that is Hidden Orchestra in 2010 following their release of the masterful Night Walks through a free amazon mp3 offering of the track Windfall. I was immediately stunned by the powerful intricacy of the group and have sought out every bit of product from this amazing quartet's as-yet limited oeuvre (even the eclectically cool mixtapes).
When I saw that a sophomoric work was set a release date (a remix-laden EP was offered in the interim - highly recommended), I immediately ordered it and anxiously awaited its arrival. What can I say; its just as satisfying as NW but feels a bit more concentrated: where NW seemed to amble along until stumbling upon grandiose tonal explosions, this album feels a bit more intentioned, with purposeful builds and a more pervasive melodious theme, evinced most notably by the presence of the opening Overture. Simply bombastic and beautiful all the same. Great music appropriate for any occasion imaginable, even for the most disparaging of musical preferences.
I would make recommendations based on contemporary comparisons, but, to my knowledge, there simply are none. This band manages to meld classical movement with heavy grooves and simultaneously subversive and overt beauty, in a seemingly unequivocal manner.
A seminal performance by a group deserving of boundless recognition as a truly pioneering artistic conglomeration. Pick up Archipelago. Pick up Night Walks. Download the mixtapes (free on the band's website!). Do what you can to get your hands on this music - you won't be disappointed!