Low Key Orchestra – Indie Folk

low key orchestra. You can’t get much more understated than that for a band name. Sönke Torpus came up with this truly most inappropriate—and thus most fitting—name for something that, without wanting to exaggerate, holds something truly magnificent musically.

But first, let’s start from the beginning. low key orchestra is the new band project of the aforementioned artist. All indie-folk connoisseurs among us will be familiar with—or have fond memories of—his former band, Torpus & the Art Directors, and the joy will be written all over their faces now that new music is on the horizon for their favorite songs. “maybe words” was the first of several low key orchestra songs to be released this year, and it’s simply a wonderful song. Sönke has created a little anthem for all those who need a helping hand or a listening ear. It’s as if he thought to himself: “If I can’t be near you, then at least you’ll get a chorus that offers more comfort than 1,000 hugs.”

Maybe words can help you / Maybe lines that care
I can sense your trouble / And I feel you there

Every line speaks of sincere compassion. Together with producer Helgi Helgasson, Sönke has managed to translate these poignant lyrics into warm and multifaceted music. Sonically, the low key orchestra—especially here in Germany—floats in a very unique world of sound and emotion, one shaped by bands like Bright Eyes, Whitney, and the Flaming Lips. In terms of songwriting, however, parallels can be drawn to early albums by Coldplay or Keane. Sönke says of himself that he had lost his way musically for a long time. Fortunately for us, he has rediscovered it—or perhaps it has rediscovered him.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.