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Many albums claim to be genre-defying, but few truly are. London-based songwriter and film composer, Chris Letcher released his unique and appealing full-length album, ‘Spectroscope’ September 20th, following his debut ‘Frieze’ (2007) and EP ‘Harmonium’ (2008).
Letcher’s songs appeared in the feature film The Bang Bang Club (2010) starring Ryan Phillipe. He also recently completed the score for a BBC adaptation of the DH Lawrence novel, Women in Love, in addition to scoring a six-part serial drama for Sky1. Other recent film music credits include HOUR, a film made in collaboration with photographer, Tim Wainwright, and My Black Little Heart, made with director Claire Angelique and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours).
Recorded and mixed in London by Finn Eiles (My Bloody Valentine, Jack Penate, Razorlight), ‘Spectroscope’ extends Letcher’s use of abundant orchestration. Bass clarinets, string and brass sections, mbiras and singing saws enfold drum machines and 1970s synthesizers to buttress an album of pop influenced songs. Letcher’s soundtrack work shines through in the instrumentation on ‘Spectroscope’ — from the lush string section finishing “Seeing Things” to the harp, trombone and French horns that form a musical bed for “Starrrs.” Continue reading
