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TRACK: Echo's Swing

WHO: Alt-folk orchestra Fireworks Night.

WHAT: Elegant melancholic melodies.

THE HYPE: "Fragile, divinely crepuscular and slightly off-kilter folk popsters." Time Out

WE SAY: Some people think a perfect fireworks exhibition requires a cacophony of loud noise and blinding light. Other more sentient types realise that it's much nicer to encounter a display of well coordinated treats to the senses that ends with a beautiful crescendo.

Alt-folkers Fireworks Night would clearly go for the latter. The band may not fit into any of the sub-genres and scenes that are oh-so trendy at the moment, but that is just part of their charm. They make songs that take you on a musical adventure and tell you a story, and Echo's Swing is no exception.

The multi-layers of instruments gently explode together to make a song that is both simple and complex, thanks to the traditional arrangement and the varying dynamics - the song waltzes in and out of peaceful solitude and a place of rich, palatable sounds. Meanwhile, singer James Lesslie narrates with a melancholic voice that sits somewhere between those of Nick Cave and Neil Hannon.

Their imaginative approach, and use of a wide range of instruments - including piano, violin and viola - produce an atmospheric, haunting, epic sound. It may not be to everyone's taste, but if elegant, lovely alt-folk is your thing, you'll enjoy this. It's certainly no damp squib.

IF YOU ONLY NEED TO KNOW ONE THING: You might not have heard of Fireworks Night yet, but they have supported the likes of St Vincent and KT Tunstall, and performed at this summer's O2 Wireless Festival. They have also released two albums so far, and their upcoming mini-album will feature this track.

WHERE CAN I GET MY HANDS ON IT: Echo's Swing will be one of six songs on their mini-album A Mirror, A Ghost which is released late September/October on Organ Grinder Records. The band slaved away to produce intricate handmade covers for the CD, so it looks as pretty as it sounds.

FIND MORE: http://www.myspace.com/fireworksnight

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