Emily Francis Trio: Atomic
23rd May 2024
London’s finest electro-prog-jazz group Emily Francis Trio are back to build on the futuristic soundscapes explored on their 2022 album ‘LUMA’. New EP ‘Atomic’, builds on the release of singles After The Rain and Lydian Child, creating a dystopian, sci-fi leaning soundtrack.
The ‘Atomic’ EP explores themes of conflict and turmoil, the importance of wellbeing, and even the supernatural, all channeled through the Trio’s customary approach to melody- driven, dynamic, and sonically ambitious compositions. Influences span the electro-jazz scenes of New York and Scandinavia, whilst also borrowing from vintage TV sci fi themes and 20th century contemporary classical and film scores. The project sees bandleader Emily Francis at her most free-wheeling to date, mixing up complex sound design with tender, melodic piano playing. Trevor Boxall’s other-worldy, thunderous bass tones compliment Emily perfectly, especially in the mix with the wildly innovative grooves of Jamie Murray.
“Where LUMA was occasionally sprawling, with its share of 7-minute-plus tracks, Atomic takes a more direct approach, placing melody front and centre, employing cinematic-style leitmotif, and propelling the music forward with driving rhythm and groove. The sound palette is more important than ever, playing a vital role in bringing characters within the music to life.”
Reflecting an emergence from a period of conflict and turmoil, lead single After The Rain paints an auditory picture of riding out a dystopian storm. Sparking images of a Blade Runner-esque cityscape pummelled by torrential rain, the dynamically rich composition builds to a captivating synth solo, before a triumphant resolution aims to inspire optimism for what lies ahead once the storm is over. Elsewhere, Lydian Child builds on the the bands distinctive blend of synth lines and other-worldly washes, emulating synesthesia with a vibrant assortment of sounds and harmonic flavours.
The Trio’s debut album, 2015's ‘The Absent', established their fresh take on the piano trio format, creating a sound with a strong emphasis on melody and groove, resulting in compositionally rich, original music. 2022's follow up ‘LUMA’ reinvented the trios sound, weaving synth-heavy soundscapes amongst prog-rock-tinged, odd-time grooves. Support for the record came from BBC Radio 6, Jazz FM, Music Is My Sanctuary, Twistedsoul and Women In Jazz, to name a few.