Bristol-based band The Other Way can be described as playing as a hybrid of jazz and folk; hidden away among the rhythm, the melody and the solos are chirping birds, bleating sheep and a church bell that nods to a connection with the natural world.
There are folky influences in the subject matter and the way that the songs are delivered but the music moves along picking flavours from here and there, smart drum beats from jazz and drum ’n’ bass, soulful bass grooves, interesting piano parts and trumpet that weaves and twists around the impressive lead vocal by Elly Hopkins that delivers emotion and occasional black humour.
The album begins rather quietly and leads nicely into a ballad of sorts. Back To The Centre is groove-led and will result in head nodding before the end, but the crash of cymbals on Chrysalis feels like the arrival of a new direction for the album; this is where things get interesting, and the character of the band comes alive.
Jackie’s Song feels like a band jam complete with intricate keyboard, trumpet and vocal riffs and more doo-wops than you can shake a stick at. My standout track is the superbly titled Archeopteryx; this is the song where the band let go and set flight. With its sinister tonality, ticking drums and north African style trumpet playing, this jumped out from the speakers on first listening and it’s a song I return to often.
This is a band that should be electrifying to watch live. If this is the level they can produce in a studio you can only imagine what they can do with a live audience responding to every twist. It’s a strong album by a strong band and one I’ll be looking out for on the gigging circuit.
Learning To Be can be heard on Bandcamp.
Discography
Guidance; Back to the Centre; Chrysalis; Sit Down; Jackie’s Song; Nidderdale; Walking Guide; Archeoptreyx; Arthur’s Song; Quarantine Song (73.40)
Rowen Porteous (t); Elly Hopkins (v, g); Billie Bottle (k, v); Guillaume Ottaviani (b); Emma Holbrook (d). Bristol and London, 2024.
theotherwayband.com
