Ö÷²¥´óÐã

Cosby Stage, Sunday 6th September, 5pm

Knowing pretty much nothing about Bell Orchestre, I had no real idea of what to expect. I walked into the tent and instantly I knew it was a good choice to try pot luck. In front of me, is indeed, a mini orchestra - percussion, bass, violin, trumpet, French horn and a lap steel guitar.

They're making incredibly atmospheric music that reminds me a little of early Calexico and the Cinematic Orchestra. But it's not totally straight cinematic sounds either - at times it gets really disjointed and juxtaposed with strange rhythms and epic effects on the brass. At one stage I'm left scratching my head as the French horn seems to be replicating the sound of a theremin.Ìý

It took me a while to click, but after digging my brain to find why they looked familiar, I realised that half of this band are in Arcade Fire. And that Arcade Fire vibe is certainly present - claps, soaring strings, beautiful break downs and driving beats. But this instrumental band are more akin to The Penguin Cafe Orchestra mixed with some thing a bit more intense and awkward.

I still can't define exactly what it is Bell Orchestre do, but it's something I urge you all to witness as soon as you can!

Describe in a Tweet: Beautiful and edgy cinematic set from members of Arcade Fire.

Good Vibrations: The drummer doing some strange, disjointed beat that grows into a thunderous roar.

Life's A Beach: Runs the risk of being a little 'same-y' at times.

EP Rating: 8/10