Orlando Gough: The World Encompassed

Ah, Fretwork and Simon Callow, joining forces to bring us The World Encompassed. A collaboration so unexpected, it's like watching a penguin walk into a high-end cocktail party - you're not sure how it got there, but you can't look away. The album kicks off with an energy that can only be described as "slightly disorienting," as if you've stumbled into a Renaissance fair after a night of heavy drinking. The intricate arrangements of Fretwork combined with Callow's velvety narration create a musical experience that is both confusing and captivating. Tracks like "Explorers' Narratives" and "Conflict and Resolution" transport you to a time when men wore tights and sailing the high seas was the height of adventure. Callow's dramatic readings are perfectly complemented by Fretwork's delicate yet powerful strings, creating a dynamic that is both unexpected and delightful. However, not all is sunshine and roses in The World Encompassed. Some tracks veer dangerously close to becoming background music at a stuffy dinner party, leaving you yearning for a bit more excitement. In conclusion, Fretwork and Simon Callow's The World Encompassed is a wild ride through history, blending storytelling and music in a way that is both charming and perplexing. So grab a glass of mead, kick back, and let yourself be whisked away on this bizarre yet enchanting journey.