The Cinematic Orchestra ft. Fontella Bass Breathe (Ninja Tune) Released 09/04/07

Longtime Cinematic Orchestra collaborator Fontella Bass is known to be in ill health, which makes her appearance as the vocalist on ‘Breathe’ – the first single from forthcoming long player ‘Ma Fleur’ – all the more special. Her distinctive vocals at first wrap themselves comfortably around only an acoustic guitar and it’s a full two minutes into the track before the listener is treated to a beat and, indeed, a richer, orchestral sound. As it rises to a crescendo, Bass’ voice too becomes stronger, with a newly acquired sense of urgency. Soon afterwards, the tune is stripped back to the utter basics, leaving the listener waiting for the next rise and fall. This is an overwhelmingly beautiful piece of music, of the variety that leaves its victims spellbound by its melancholy but at the same time, wearing a pair of imaginary rose-tinted specs. Done live, this will be absolutely jaw-dropping.