Left With Pictures are an orchestral pop ensemble from London. Formed in 2005, they started with three hard-up, classically trained musicians who forsook the orchestra pit for the sanctuary of their keyboard player’s loft. Armed with synths, guitars, strings, kazoos, found-sounds and a shoestring budget, they began with a series of self-releases and impromptu performances in theatres, bars and bedrooms...

Afterlife is the latest album from Left With Pictures - their first for five years. Their sound is very much an acquired taste, and it's doubtful that many will warm to this on the first play through.

Of this album's 11 tracks (41 min, 53 sec) for me, the standout track was the incredibly beautiful 'Stage Fright'. It starts off on a very shaky note, with rough vocals before transforming into a wonderful instrumental track.

There's a little bit of everything on display here. From the classical aforementioned 'Stage Fright', to the electronic 'Terra Firma' to the almost Queen-esque sound of 'Last Man on Earth'.

6

Nick Smithson