Having just released their new album ‘The Violent Language of Portraits‘ , award winning experimental orchestra Tonic Fold put on an spectacular show at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden last week.
With their multi-vocalist line-up including West End stars Andrew Derbyshire, Tom Parsons and Verity Quade, the 20 piece orchestra gave a truly dramatic performance, indulged by the imposing backdrop of St Paul’s Church.
The orchestra’s young composer Shane Cullinan spoke proudly of his achievements with the orchestra, and his talents were highlighted when leading single ‘Manaway’ played out across the audience.
Jess Greenfield’s powerful guest vocals gave the song a rock n’ roll edge, encapsulating the seated congregation with a bellowing chorus and driving rhythm provided by huge strings, urgent drums and driving keys – it was quite a moment! The track is available for free via their soundcloud below.
The entire performance was a spectacle with the orchestra’s combination of strings, drums, bass, guitar, violins and piano creating a range of music spanning from the classical and contemporary. At times delicate and melancholy and others sumptuously dramatic. I walked out feeling exhilarated, as if soothed, slapped and tickled by a tidal wave of notation.
The night couldn’t have been a better way to set up an album that looks set to be a firm success.
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