Unveiling the Soul-Stirring Sounds of Echo Collective's 'Mirror Image'
Echo Collective, an innovative orchestral ensemble originating from Brussels, was founded by the imaginative minds of Neil Leiter and Margaret Hermant, boldly venturing into the realm of post-classical music. Their artistry transcends boundaries as they expertly reinterpret genres ranging from alternative rock and synth-pop to the depths of black metal, all while intricately weaving their tapestry of original compositions that deeply resonate with the soul.
This musical odyssey commenced when Margaret and Neil united with the masterminds behind “A Winged Victory For The Sullen,” Adam Wiltzie, and Dustin O'Halloran. The fusion of their talents gave birth to Echo Collective, a harmonious blend of classical heritage and contemporary innovation.
Neil's introduction to Adam Wiltzie, orchestrated by the esteemed composer and musician Caroline Shaw, laid the groundwork for Echo Collective's meteoric ascent in the music industry. Their adeptness at navigating diverse musical landscapes with finesse and creativity has earned them admiration and acclaim, establishing their position as trailblazers in the post-classical realm. Echo Collective's melodious tapestries resonate with a profound depth and richness that captivates audiences globally, leaving an enduring mark on the musical landscape.
The ensemble's latest masterpiece, “Mirror Image,” delves into the realms of contemporary and experimental classical music. As I immersed myself in Echo Collective's “Mirror Image” I was transported into a vast soundscape filled with sweeping cinematic moments and enthralling instrumentalization that opened up to deeply intimate moments between one and the dramatic strings that tend to take up much of the spotlight.
This album embodies a fusion of acoustic exploration within immersive environments, integrating state-of-the-art technologies like 4DSound at Monom in Berlin, DNB Soundscape at CC Hasselt in Belgium, and Wave Field Synthesis alongside the AOI dance company in Chatham, UK.
With tracks such as "Dante," one finds oneself abruptly drawn into a realm of vibrant myth, simultaneously nostalgic and harrowing, akin to the prolonged, haunting shots in Fritz Lang's "Die Nibelungen." In the subsequent piece, "Manhattan," the ambiance is charged with the muted clamor of the eponymous city resonating deeply in the background. As for "Home," the Collective has assembled a complex amalgamation of diverse sounds, delicately dispersed over 4 minutes, crafting a masterful and expansive tapestry. Here, thoughtfully intertwined instruments ebb and flow, merging into one another in a haunting yet reassuring drift of harmonious elements that do indeed carry the weightless longing for the platonic home. As for the two songs that remain on the EP, I’ll leave it up to you to discover in your own listening experience. Just make sure you get your best headphones for the record. It is absolutely brilliant.