Label: Trash City Records, 2026
Personnel - Fergus Quill: composition, arrangement, vocals + Imaginary Big Band.
Considered one of the hottest acts on the British scene, Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band is the primary brainchild of Leeds-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Fergus Quill, who also leads Electric Noise Ensemble and the Fergus Quill Trio. The band shifts in personnel but generally includes around 30 members, all contributing to the freeing, snazzy arrangements through a delightful collision of sounds. The influences range from jazz masters such as Sun Ra, Charles Mingus, and Duke Ellington to film scores and the experimental rock of Boredoms.
The mercurial “J Surfing on Saturn” rides an elemental yet impactful groove before plunging into blistering orchestral chaos, propelled by sly counterpoint and massive unisons poured out by the synergistic horn sections. The solos—packed with urgent flourishes of notes—unfold over staccato-infused rhythmic motion before ambient textures and classical-influenced piano glissandi usher in a slow, fanfare-like march crowned by immense horn power. It all culminates in a burst of wild, indomitable energy.
“Theme from The New Atomic” explores a galactic nebula through poignant intonations, while “Do the Right Thing” recalls Sun Ra’s exuberant Afro-funk universe, bolstered by Bess Shooter’s earthy baritone sax groove along with guitar elasticity, dense horn activity, and blaring sonic elements. The highly cinematic “¡Besszilla!”, referring to the Queen of the Monsters, is startling yet firmly grounded in feel. Its ominous bass and baritone saxes, smeared electric bass textures, and thumping percussive footsteps feel more menacing than celebratory, before a furious thrash-metal passage drives the piece toward a challenging conclusion.
Quill’s music combines the obvious with the eccentric, and he is not wrong when claiming that the elements are greater together than apart. This principle also applies to the album’s smoother moments, which arrive adorned with winning guest vocals. These include “Love Sick”, a rendition of Bob Dylan’s minor-key love song that here feels like a crossroads between the blues-rock of The Waterboys and the soulful R&B of Otis Redding; and “Same Sky”, which follows an Ellingtonian chord progression evocative of a finely crafted jazz standard, providing the perfect setting for the warm voice of Amy Clark.
The New Atomic provokes as much as it comforts, offering an exploratory, genre-defying repertoire that is unapologetically contemporary and rambunctious while remaining deeply respectful of the past. Adding further weight to the project, a portion of the album’s profits will be donated to War Child, supporting children affected by conflict around the world.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - J Surfing on Saturn ► 04 - Do the Right Thing ► 06 - ¡Besszilla!