Meet The Orielles. With sounds echoing back to Stereolab and Italian film composer Piero Umiliani, the UK band released their second LP, Disco Volador, today through Heavenly Recordings. Bassist and singer Esmé Dee Hand Halford expands on the album title saying: “[It] could be a frisbee, a UFO, an alien nightclub or how you feel when you fly.” So whether it’s a frisbee or a spaceship, we asked the band to create a playlist to take us on a space odyssey. Check it out, and be on the lookout for some North American tour dates.
—Keenan Kush, Talkhouse Operations Manager
A Certain Ratio — “Flight”
We’re all massive fans of ACR; they influence and inspire us greatly. This is such a great tune to start the playlist, as it really feels as though we are about to take flight and go on a journey through space! We ripped off the little hi-hat stop in one of our latest singles, “Come Down on Jupiter.”
Arthur Russell — “Lucky Cloud”
The first time I heard this song, I must’ve put it on repeat for about an hour. There’s something about Russell’s vocal delivery and meter that always gets me, and in this song it’s particularly moving. This whole record is stupid good as well!
Jeff Phelps — “Wrong Space, Wrong Time”
I don’t know loads about Jeff Phelps as there’s not a lot about him online — he only has this one self-produced record out and it is very rare! I was hooked on this record as soon as I heard it. It’s got kind of a William Onyeabor feel to the production with warm synth sounds and drum machines. The arrangements and tones are really beautifully arranged and the vocals in this track are so nice!
Alice Coltrane — “Galaxy in Satchidananda”
All of Alice’s music is pure gold! I love her use of the harp and the droning tanpura. The string orchestra sounds so beautifully huge on this record as well, and listening through headphones is a truly magical experience.
Asha Puthli — “Space Talk”
A great little boogie bop straight from the mid-’70s. The percussion on this song runs throughout and keeps the beat super danceable underneath the ethereal vocals. A great one that we often will DJ or play before going on stage.
Air — “Kelly Watch The Stars”
One of the best uses of a vocoder in ’90s electronica. The Rhodes chords and synth melody lines in this song really make for a great journey into space!
Sandro Brugnoini — “Adrie’s Dream”
Now that we’re right up there orbiting the earth, it’s time to let go and enjoy the atmosphere before our descent back to reality. This is the perfect soundtrack song, it really fits with any mood or any vibe and I love the drums and organ.
Henry Threadgill — “I Can’t Wait Till I Get Home”
The opening 20 seconds of this song got me hooked on Threadgill instantly. I was introduced to his music by a friend, and he has a lot of music to explore but this is one of my favorites of his for sure. Once again, I love the drums, and the snare sounds amazing.
Lani Hall — “Come Down In Time”
We’re almost home! This version of Elton John’s original is so peaceful and special. Lani’s voice is beautiful. This record also has a nice version of “Tiny Dancer” on it too.
Joe Henderson & Alice Coltrane — “Earth”
What better way to come back down to earth than with an incredible tabla solo to begin this song. It then enters into classic Henderson territory with some class-A saxophone shredding. This is the closing song to their four-track collaborative record named The Elements and it really does feel like a gratifying descent back onto solid ground.
You can catch The Orielles on tour in March:
3/11-3/15: New York, NY — New Colossus Festival
3/16-3/22: Austin, TX — SXSW
3/24: Los Angeles, CA — Moroccan Lounge
3/25: San Francisco, CA — Popscene at Rickshaw Stop
3/27: Boise, ID — Treefort Music Festival
3/28: Portland, OR — Bunk Bar
3/29: Seattle, WA— Vera Project
(Photo Credit: Holly Fernando)
