Cinematic Orchestra / Various

Just to cement the notion that the Cinematic Orchestra possess the most literal name in music, the British sextet have provided another batch of films with compensatory soundtracks. On In Motion #1, the Cinematic Orchestra decide to farm out their work, employing fellow instru-minimalists to help re-imagine the scores to seven decisive works by avant-garde short filmmakers. Tackling works by the lesser-known Standish Lawder ("Necrology") and the celebrated René Clair ("Entr'acte"), the Cinematic Orchestra stick close to the script, delivering a pair of moodily moving, electronically tinged compositions. But it's In Motion #1's supporting cast that gives the album a truly aleatoric feel. Modern/avant/jazz pianist Austin (son of Stacy) Peralta delivers a fittingly adventurous take on James Whitney's "Lapis" and Cinematic Orchestra's Grey Reverend gives Joris Iven's "Regen" the Fahey treatment) and Tom Chant teams up with Dorian Concept for a pair of haunting scores for Peter Tscherkassky. On pedagogic appeal alone, In Motion #1 remains a fascinating listen. But it's the players that make this release much more engaging.