Infectious Records / BMG release Australian alternative artist RY X's Live from the Royal Albert Hall. In October 2019 the artist stepped on stage at the Royal Albert Hall and completed a lifetime ambition. Not only was he performing in one of the most historic and dazzling venues in the world, but his tremulous voice and stark emotional songwriting was complemented by the London Contemporary Orchestra. It was a special, once-in-a-lifetime event...

Much of the music on these 12 tracks (1 hr, 16 min, 35 sec) uses RY X's original songs as a blank canvas on which to build an orchestrated interpretation. It's much more than simply painstakingly transcribing the original work for orchestra. It feels as though the original songs have been torn down and rebuilt into a more solid structure.

Unsurprisingly two well known pieces make an appearance: 'Berlin;, which featured in the acclaimed BBC drama Normal People, and the show’s power closer 'Only'.

Fans of the artist will relish the opportunity to add this to their collection and will make them appreciate how versatile RY X is. And there's enough quality material here to draw in non fans who love laid back modern classical compositions.

9

Nick Smithson