Drummer, composer and bandleader Fergus Quill has accomplished one of two things when naming his latest vehicle. This is definitely a big band, but definitely not imaginary. With getting on for forty people lined up to play covering trumpets, trombones and horns as well as reeds, viola, percussion and keyboards, their first album, The New Atomic, is a wild and unpredictable ride taking in big band swing, soundtrack tension, bluesy stomps, funky soul stylings and even torch song jazz.
The rolling opener really does set out their stall, revelling as it does in massed ranks of horns in a swing style, giving a soundtrack vibe full of tension and thrills. The way it builds still throws unexpected shapes, and considering how many people are involved that is no great surprise.
It is like a suite moving through moods, so the rhythm section gets stuck in the mud at one point, spinning its wheels while the piano gives some 1930s horror film vamping that has you looking over your shoulder; there is some cabaret sleaze and the pianist slips off into Aladdin Sane-style mayhem. Firework horns and massive rock fall drums kick in towards the end and by the time it is over, you feel as though you have seen every facet of the group.Clearly though, that is not the case; “Theme From The New Atomic” is slow and electronics-strewn, the horns dancing in the early morning light. It is a slow wake up to a vast cloudless sky, a day filled with promise as we stretch and strain, while “Love Sick” is one of the two vocal tracks, its gentle bluesy soul tale of heartache enlivened by ’70s guitar echoes and shimmering horns. The voice is strong and the little textures had me thinking it would make a good theme for the remake of an ’80s drama.
Honking horns bring the funk and head for the dancefloor on “Do The Right Thing” and the subtle touches do belie the weight of numbers. Scribbling synths give an anarchic undercurrent that follows through on “Playin’ The Names”, where the group introduces themselves before a crazed workout. It is quite the variety filled journey which continues with the harbour-side horns of “Besszila”. There is an abstract meander here that leaps into a jazzy show tune, hoping to introduce the unlikely hero in the nick of time. Each wail of the horns ratchets up the tension before the unlikeliest segue so far as they unearth their speed metal side, sending the horns running for their lives.There is nothing they won’t try it seems and they are happy to put the most disparate of pieces back to back. “Same Sky” is the other vocal track, a slow jazz ballad, the voice a breathy dream, deep and soulful that would give Sarah Vaughan a run for her money, while the alto sax break is a real treat.
The album ends with spiritual “I Shall Not Be Moved”, a full vocal workout in a blues standard style that is another wild surprise. I have listened to the album a number of times and each time it offers up something new, constantly surprising with its force, subtlety, variation and joy. As an initial outing, Ferg should be proud as should the myriad players. It must be fantastic live; but for now, enjoy The New Atomic your own home.-Mr Olivetti-
