Live Review: Cinematic Orchestra at the Roundhouse
Cinematic Orchestra live in London - Photo copyright by Oscar Tornincasa for rebelrebelmusic.com
Let’s be honest: when you’re going to see a live show by the Cinematic Orchestra expectations are probaly set at a very high standard. Their music is that kind of refined electronic jazz infused with orchestral arrangements that attracts all kinds of listeners: From the hipster to the wanna-be-a-cool-music-expert to honest music enthusiasts. As a matter of fact, the first problem of their live show at the Roundhouse on May 23, 2015 was indeed the audience: often loud during the songs, completely unable to pay attention to what was happening on stage, constantly navigating from the parterre to the bar grabbing 5 beers at a time, spilling half pints on the clothes of those few who were there for the sake of music and not to get drunk to only be able to boast with their friends that they had been to a cool gig.
To be brutally honest, and I’m sorry to say this, I was disappointed by most of the show. In addition to the annoying crowd, and with the exception of a couple of songs, the show sounded a little bit too much like a slowed-down boring Cold Play gig. Judging from the endless times the singer and some instruments sounded off-key, the sound engineer must have been experiencing a very bad day or probably a substantial amount of technical problems. This adds up to a way-too mainstream set list, which I honestly didn’t enjoy as an enthusiast of their more sophisticated tunes.
On a positive note, hugely-talented worldwide-renowened percussionist Manu Delago’s presence on stage was the highlight of the evening. With this said, I’m still listening to the Cinematic Orchestra with great pleasure and I’m confident this was one those nights that represent the exception rather than the rule.
Photogallery by Oscar Tornincasa:
