Tide

Wooden Arms are an alternative chamber music band from the UK featuring choral elements and a distinctive yet delicate blend of classical instrumentation and modern melody. Formed by classically trained piano teacher Alex Carson (piano, vocals, composition) in early 2012, the band began to take shape when Trinity College graduate Jessica Diggins (violin, vocals) joined him shortly thereafter. Cellist Fynn Titford-Mock was discovered busking in the streets of Norwich in early 2013; both Jeff Smith (guitar, vocals, cornet) and Milly Hirst (vocals) were welcomed into the fold after performing solo gigs in and around Norwich. The last addition is drummer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Mackenzie, who provides complex percussive rhythms as well as intelligent electronic samples. The musical concept behind Wooden Arms is one of classical crossover. Musical structures and instrumentation are influenced by the likes of Chopin and Mozart, while the modern melodies and production draw upon the very essence of Grizzly Bear and Andrew Bird. Wooden Arms disregard the norm and pay immaculate attention to the texture of sound. They orchestrate their music like a chamber group meeting reverb-drenched guitar and complex samples. Add to this mix their incredible choral harmonies and you're left with a captivatingly symphonic sound that mixes classically trained composition with fresh, contemporary songwriting. Tide features a rich orchestral timbre exemplified by cello, violin, and brass instrumentation mixed with contemporary percussive beats and ambient samples.