Oddarrang: In Cinema

Finnish band Oddarang are part of a new generation of European jazz musicians who are jettisoning much of the individual virtuosity and rhythmic complexity that used to be considered essential to jazz in favour of a simpler, more accessible band sound, apparently influenced as much by bands such as Coldplay and Snow Patrol as by anything recognisably "jazz". Several of the tunes here were originally written as scores for small, independent films by the band's founder and drummer, Olavi Louhivuori, and they unfold like ensemble dramas with little or no room for solos, building from spare, folksy melodies played on cello and trombone to anthemic, orgiastic climaxes drenched in loud guitar that tug at the emotions. Perfect for those who want to star in their own movie on the way home on the bus. oddarrang.com