Outside the Lines, Vol. 4

Outside the Lines is our annual compilation celebrating the diverse creative practices of the UK music scene, bringing together composers, instrumentalists and sound artists from the blurred edges of classical music.Volume 4 features Samuel Sharp, Sasha Scott, Yorgo Stenos, Spindle Ensemble, Lottie Sadd and Sophie Fetokaki

The compilation opens with Samuel Sharp's 'Fireworks From The Tower', with playfully interlocking minimalist woodwind easing us into the release. From there, we're plunged into the heavily distorted electronics of BBC Young Composer of the Year 2019 Sasha Scott's 'Shapeshifter', which then give way to delicate, polyrhythmic music box melodies.

Taking influence from French impressionists like Satie and Ravel as much as film composers like Ennio Morricone, Spindle Ensemble have a fresh and innovative take on contemporary classical music. Their piece 'Inkling' – taken from their album of the same name – sees the four instrumentalists meander through a loose structure of theme and variations, moving fluently between an array of styles, textures and tonalities.

There's an inherent freshness in the following track from Yorgo Stenos. Created using a combination of home-brewed noise makers, micro-percussion, amplified objects and electronics, 'Bubbles and Marbles (Objects)' moves fluidly between the various 'instruments', oscillating between intensely rhythmic whirring and quieter, textural passages.

Combining spoken word, layered vocals and electronic manipulation, Lottie Sadd's track 'spelling' is a radical change of pace. The work slowly evolves as Sadd introduces and replaces different manipulations and elements throughout, creating this sense of the sound gradually changing shape as you listen.

The release concludes with Sophie Fetokaki's evocative reimagining of JS Bach's 'Bist Du Bei Mir'. Fetokaki finds a folk-like peacefulness reminiscent of Josephine Foster in Bach's composition – pristine vocals, hazy electronics and sparse instrumental accompaniment come together to unveil a tranquil sound world highlighting the delicate nature of Bach's melodic writing.