IT is impossible to put Submotion Orchestra into a style bracket or to label them as anything other than by the name of their second album, Fragments. Playing their biggest concert in the UK to date at Koko, the seven-piece band showcased their exceptional talent and eclectic taste by performing the best of their first and second albums and their EP.

Influenced by everything from reggae to pop, blues, drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep and classical music, their love for completely different genres was the idea behind Fragments. Band member Tommy Evans, 27, and originally from Oxford, said: “We would prefer not to be put in a box. It is what it is and we just enjoy making the music we make.”

The drummer and composer added: “Koko for us was a real highlight, it was incredible. To look around and see pictures on the walls of people who have played there before was unbelievable but also quite scary for us.”

Playing at Koko was something the whole band had been keen on doing for a long time and it was a slow process to get to there, he said.

He added: “We have to be really sure before we put anything on the album. The whole process from when an idea is conceived to when the song is complete can take up to two years.”

Fragments came out a month ago, reached number one in the electronics chart and has been a huge hit with reviewers. In many ways it is a continuation of the first album, Finest Hour, which continues to sell with speed.

Submotion Orchestra aim to reflect on what they see and experience in the world around them. “All our tunes are about something specific. We write and sing about real things that have happened to us or in the news,” said Evans.

It all starts off for them with an experimentation of ideas. If it works in rehearsal it is tested in concert, if it works at a concert, only then can it go on the album. It’s a careful craft.

The band met at Leeds College of Music and formed Submotion Orchestra in 2009.

The members are almost as diverse as their music. With ages ranging from 26 to 34 and coming from London, Huddersfield, Lincoln and New Zealand, as well as Oxford, it’s no wonder each talent brings something unique. This is their fourth UK tour in two years, with 20 dates to cover around the country.

“Making a living from composing and performing is amazing and playing gigs is the best part. We have played some amazing shows around Europe. Outlook, Croatia was pretty special and there was a show we did in the spring in Moscow in front of 5000 people which was unbelievable,” said Evans.

  • Submotion Orchestra will be touring Europe next year when they hope to have another album out and the future could see them dabbling in theatre and film.