Submotion Orchestra - Kites (2018)

Two years ago, following the release of their acclaimed Colour Theory album, Submotion Orchestra decided to part company with Ninja Tune offshoot Counter Records. The upheaval seems to have had little effect on the Leeds collective's creativity, because Kites, their fifth full length, is every bit as sumptuous and soulful as their previous albums. In truth, there's little deviation from their usual script - think fragile, folksy soul vocals, gentle jazz instrumentation and beats and basslines inspired by hip-hop, dubstep and trip-hop - but that's not meant as a criticism; few acts are capable as making music as beguiling and atmospheric as Submotion Orchestra.