Arc Iris

Arc Iris sounds like a dream sequence from a vintage film that has been updated with modern, restless energy. It is music that refuses to sit still, constantly shifting from delicate acoustic fingerpicking to grand, sweeping orchestral flourishes. You can hear the influence of classical impressionism in the piano work, but it is always anchored by a sturdy, if eccentric, folk foundation. It feels expensive and handmade at the same time, like a bespoke velvet suit worn while hiking.

What makes them truly distinctive is the way they bridge the gap between the academic and the playful. Jocie Adams' background as a NASA researcher and classically trained composer shines through in the complex, angular arrangements, yet there is a vaudevillian sense of fun that prevents the music from feeling cold. They use instruments like the cello and trumpet not just for color, but as essential voices in a dense, multi-layered conversation that often veers into psychedelic territory.

Start with their self-titled debut, 'Arc Iris', to hear the perfect distillation of their chamber-folk-meets-cabaret sound. It captures the transition from Adams' more traditional folk roots into the expansive, genre-blurring territory they now call home. From there, move to 'Moon Saloon' for a deeper dive into their more progressive and experimental leanings.