The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On

Led by Brazilian-born, Italian/English-raised songwriter and singer Lau Ro, Wax Machine’s third album, The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On, includes, among others, bassist Ozzy Moysey, of Ancient Infinity Orchestra fame, Adam Campbell, as well as flautist Isobel Jones and percussionist Toma Sapir, with Marwyn Grace and Ella Russell on supporting vocals. Mostly inspired by Lau Ro’s ‘recently found obsession with water,’ sea and rivers, encountered during their recent trip to Brazil, the album flows gracefully between mellow melodies and improvised interplay. Currently based in Brighton, Lau Ro includes Nick Drake among their influences and certainly the music on this label brings to mind the jazz-infused folk of that great singer-songwriter. The album’s nine tracks feature lush soundscapes unfurling over smooth grooves and energetic bass lines, with ample space for musicians to develop their solos, with flautist Jones often in the spotlight. The pieces featuring lyrics, like ‘Glimmers’, have more of a song quality, while the instrumental-only tracks are more adventurous and experimental, creatively using found sounds and electronic glitches, especially in the impressive ‘Transmission’. On The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On, Wax Machine offer a satisfying and rich aural experience, one that should appeal to a wide range of listeners.