The Village Orchestra
Et in Arcadia Ego

Do you know "Microcosmos"? That documentary film that tells the fantastic life of insects. Now imagine being immersed in a garden pulsating with similar wonders. And imagine that every sound emitted by these bizarre creatures is of a digital nature. Flourishing garden electronics. A synthetic bzz bzz of bumblebee wings, a tchik tchik of marching ants, a symphonic air of butterflies. And then grooves and drones of bees, caterpillars, spiders, beetles, grasshoppers. Imagine all this traffic sounding harmonious and natural like a day passing by. Like the tracks on this album. Enthusiastic invertebrates at the morning awakening, animated in the fervor of the produce market. Elegant compositions of centipedes at work. Short breaths and long breaths. But do insects breathe like us? It doesn't matter. When they rest, they produce a sound. That sound, be it that of a hundred snoring larvae, you will find in this album. Translated into pure electronic form. Inserted into a composition that makes this garden suspended between euphoria and mystery.

Orchestral like the name of the group. Which in reality is a unique entity. That Ruaridh Law, a gardener from Glasgow. Famous in his parts for being one of the three partners of the enigmatic company "The Marcia Blaine School For Girls". Specialists in furnishings for musical and visual environments with rising fame. Shy, discreet, and intriguing. He, with that name, but how is Ruaridh pronounced? It doesn't matter. He inspires sympathy at first glance. He kept a blog, stagnant as of August 21, 2005. The last post is laconic. It reads: "No news, too busy. And also, no one comes to visit me." However, after this work, there are many asking for electric-floral performances. Word of mouth near and far. A skilled gardener is always appreciated. Who knows if he will pass through our parts. I would certainly ask him what the secret is that makes his garden so lush. I gamble. A basic mix of seeds from the renowned Düsseldorf. Spices produced by the esteemed Plaid company. Rhythmic aromas à la Carl Craig. Abrasive powders from Fennesz-landia and native fertilizer signed Boards of Canada.
Paraphrasing the title, there is nothing left to say but "I too was in Arcadia" and what I heard in that garden was exceedingly pleasant. Anyone else up for visiting it?

Ps: I assume this album is hard to find in Italy. However, you can listen to and download two entire tracks from the esteemed label's website (find the link in the info sheet). And if you like it, you can purchase the album on iTunes for less than 9 euros.
Pps: On the web, you can find mixes, live performances, and a nice half-hour podcast by the aforementioned artist. Scottish generosity.
Ppps: Electronic surprise of 2005, for many, including yours truly.