“Two”

Another Story’s second album, “Two” provides the listener with a greater diversity of material and genres; a satisfying smorgasbord of styles and emotions, along the way touching on jazz, rock, world music, downtempo electronica, ballads and more.

This time around Another Story has involved the current Portmanteaux rhythm section of Mick Frawley (drums) and Peter Kershaw (bass) on several tracks. But whilst Cinematic Sea was totally instrumental, “Two” includes five vocal tracks by three outstanding guest vocalists, and excellent trumpet/fluegelhorn playing by Gianni Marinucci.

Zac Teichmann’s voice soars on “I’ll Keep Holding On” and “Sentimental Samba” and croons through the tropical vibes of “(It’s a) Blue Day”. Elsewhere Kevin Haynes brings it home on the lo-fi soul of “Time to Let It Go” and session singer Gwen helps the boys to turn the previously instrumental “Island” into something of a vocal tour-de-force.

About the tracks:

I’ll Keep Holding On: Neo-soul ballad
Dreaming Happy: South African Townships-inspired guitar-driven instrumental
Sentimental Samba: Latin cabaret vibe
Time To Let It Go: Lo-fi neo-soul
Go High: Instrumental Reggae
(It’s a) Blue Day: Laid back jazz ballad
Smoke and Mirrors: Swinging Jazzy instrumental
Smoulder and Burn: Moody instrumental electronica
Island: South seas-inspired chillout pop
Call To Me Rock Instrumental
Languid: Poignant sparse guitar instrumental

“Cinematic Sea”

Taking time out from their other band Portmanteaux a while back Henry and Steve realised that they had a bunch of unfinished ocean-themed compositions scattered across their various recording devices. And so the concept for Cinematic Sea was born!

Although the duo played many of the tunes by themselves, some tunes were added to and enhanced by the inclusion of two then Portmanteaux members, namely, Nick Allen (bass), and Greg Murray (drums) and also guests Philippe Conus (saxes), Alan Leslie (bass) and Peter Kershaw (bass).

The album is all instrumental but diverse enough to hold the listener’s interest throughout its 49 minutes. Tracks such as Algo Espagnol, Sweet Complication, Coral See, Haunted and Burning Inside explore somewhat epic territory referencing a range of influences from The Shadows, the surf sounds of The Ventures and Dick Dale to Jeff Beck and Pink Floyd.

Only One and Island are more intimate offerings – the latter featuring a great soprano sax break from guest musician Philippe Conus. Count Me Out, originally composed with a short film in mind, mixes 5/4 jazz with musique concrete to interesting effect.

Finally, the heart and soul of the album is provided by the three guitar-led instrumentals Island Hopping, Pacific Reverie and Floating on a Wave, which leave the listener in no doubt about this recording’s tropical inspirations.