Submotion Orchestra makes a long-awaited return with their latest single, “Side One,” from their upcoming EP, Five Points. The track opens with a delicate piano introduction, slowly evolving with soulful, jazz-infused vocals from Ruby Wood. As the song progresses, downtempo drums provide a subtle rhythmic focus, while brass fragments and vocal harmonies layer the arrangement, leading to a warm and elegant conclusion. This marks the band’s first release in six years, following their critically acclaimed album Kites.
The Five Points EP signals a new direction for Submotion Orchestra. After revisiting their past work with the Unplugged collections and a successful 2023 acoustic tour, the band decided to push their sound further, experimenting with Ruby’s voice as an instrumental texture. The result is a more synth-heavy, stripped-back approach that explores themes of adulthood, relationships, and life’s evolving responsibilities. The EP acts as a precursor to a new full-length album currently in progress.
Reflecting on their 15 years together, the band touches on the shift from youthful optimism to a more grounded perspective in life. “Side One” and the upcoming EP blend their signature live instrumentation with new sonic landscapes, demonstrating Submotion Orchestra’s ability to evolve while staying true to their unique style. The band’s next chapter promises to explore even deeper emotional and musical territories.
