The Orchard Heartstrings [VINYL]

'Heartstrings' is the fourth album from London-based Snowpoet, led by the creative partnership of Lauren Kinsella and Chris Hyson. Since their debut EP in 2014, the band has built a devoted audience drawn to their emotionally rich songwriting, intricate production, and distinct sonic identity. With 'Heartstrings', they take a bold step forward, writing and recording in the studio as a collective for the first time, capturing the raw immediacy of live performance while expanding their sound with lush textures, layered harmonies, and deeply personal storytelling. "We wanted to capture the moment to create something that feels real, unfiltered, and alive," says Chris Hyson. This album marks an evolution in Snowpoet's approach. Instead of the fragmented process of previous records, 'Heartstrings' was born in the moment, with the full band improvising, shaping, and refining ideas together in real time. The result is an album that feels alive - organic, immersive, and deeply human. Sonically, the group leans into rich, analogue synth tones, intricate drum textures, and a dynamic push-and-pull between electronic and acoustic elements. Lyrically, it is their most personal work to date, weaving themes of life, loss, and renewal with poetic honesty. "The sound of this record is richer, bigger, more expansive, representative of the culmination of everything we've done so far," reflects Lauren Kinsella. At the heart of 'Heartstrings' is a powerful contrast - moments of deep emotional weight balanced with luminous joy. Songs like "Host" dive into themes of grief and the body as a vessel for experience, while tracks like "New Tree" radiate warmth and rebirth. The band's signature harmonies and layered production give the album a three-dimensional quality, pulling the listener into a space where vulnerability and beauty coexist. With 'Heartstrings', Snowpoet solidifies their position as one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant bands in the UK's jazz-adjacent and electronic-acoustic crossover scene. This is an album for listeners who crave depth, sonic richness, and lyrical honesty. Lauren Kinsella: vocals Chris Hyson: piano, synths Matt Robinson: piano, synths Dave Hamblett: drums Josh Arcoleo: electric bass, saxophone Press: "A masterclass in restraint, a balm for uncertain times, and a reminder of the beauty that lies in deep listening." - ***** UK Vibe "Snowpoet offer a profound antidote to our tumultuous zeitgeist with their latest album Heartstrings, delivering emotional depth through elegant simplicity...Heart-warming, uplifting and touching in equal measure." - **** Jazzwise "Any electronic touches are blended smoothly with the natural tones, as in building layers of lush synth backings or coloring the wistful "Living to Live" with robotic ghost voices. Each detail is carefully chosen to make Snowpoet's unique picture as peculiar and fanciful as it can be." - **** All About Jazz