Prog outfit Orca are making waves with their new hard hitting album ‘Universe.’ Completely self produced, this is a brilliant album that takes on you on an astronomical journey.

The opening track ‘Amber’ is an ominous building introduction which draws you in before the heavy rhythms kick in hard. The arrangement drops layers of drums, guitar and bass in and out to great effect, tied together by the tight, melodic vocal. This dynamic approach keeps the track fresh throughout, and lays down a marker for the excellent production values you can come to expect from Orca.

Inspired by 90’s grunge, this band has got a definitive sound that is powerful and emotional – the vocals being performed by the Jeff Buckley sounding Chris Edwards. The album seizes your attention and doesn’t let it go - incorporating the style of Floyd’s ‘Endless River’ when the voice of Stephen Hawking is used like a scientific preacher – the track PKD is a menacing modern take on it.

Overall this album is a fresh look at the exciting and wonderful ideas in space that feels very relevant to today’s world. Don’t miss their London dates in April at Camden and Kings Cross.