Will Bates‘ newest undertaking, The Pirate Album, exhibits a artistic evolution past movie scoring. All of it started when Bates, whereas engaged on movie compositions, rented a fifteen-foot-long balafon (gourd-resonated xylophone)—an uncommon transfer that originally displeased his director. Regardless of the undertaking’s fast dissolution, Bates noticed potential within the balafon-infused sketches and determined to develop them additional.
Enlisting shut collaborators like jazz musician Quentin Collins and longtime percussionist Spencer Cohen, Bates reworked the sketches into a singular album. Impressed by artists equivalent to Eden Ahbez and Speaking Heads, The Pirate Album blends numerous musical influences, showcasing Bates’ versatility.
The undertaking confronted delays as Bates prioritised movie compositions, however a sync placement secured by music supervisor Lucy Alper reignited his dedication. The result’s a vibrant assortment of 9 tracks, reflecting Bates’ artistic spirit and musical vary. “I understand how fortunate I’m to work in movie music,” Bates says. “Nevertheless it’s been a very long time since I labored on music purely for its personal sake.”
The album marries the resonant, melodic tones of the balafon with dynamic rhythms and wealthy textures, making a sonic setting that oscillates between introspective and exuberant. The music effortlessly transitions from jazzy, brass-driven passages to experimental, groove-laden sections harking back to early Speaking Heads, all whereas sustaining an undercurrent of playfulness and intrigue. Every observe is a particular exploration of style, from lush, cinematic expanses to tight, rhythmic motifs, reflecting Will Bates’ numerous influences and artistic imaginative and prescient.