The Leeds collective Submotion Orchestra arrive with fourth studio album Colour Theory and continue to gather admirers. With vocalist Ruby Wood taking a step back to enjoy being a new mum, there is a greater stress on the creative input and production behind the tracks. Influenced by and incorporating their unique heavy-bass dub with jazz, soul and classical Colour Theory takes a more sophisticated stance on their ever youthful musical blend. The album aligns itself and builds on the creative ideas from 2014 album Alium whilst retaining a sense of modesty, never swaying into arrogance.

‘Red Dress’ is a poignant beginning for the record, perfectly whetting the appetite as we sink into a lull whereby we can only lay back and appreciate what is to come, and we’re kept constantly alert with recurrent waves of electronic pulses which permeates their music. The standout track on the album for me is ‘Kimono’; showcasing the very capabilities of each individual in the seven-piece collective, like many of the other songs on the album it is ambient, infectious and radiates a complete alacrity. ‘In Gold and Needs’ highlight the excess of emotion which is terrifically transferred through the album. ‘Empty Love’, featuring the work of Ed Thomas, transcends any point reached on the album and through its lofty vocals elevates the listener into a higher sphere of feeling.

Colour Theory brandishes an unapologetic reminder as just why so many critics have been won over by this unique sound churned out by this eclectic ensemble of talented musicians.

Niall Ballinger