New Music: Band Spectra – Freckles feat. Mary Leay

Band Spectra is the musical project of British musician and producer Robert Manning. Their recently released self-titled long player features some amazing collaborations, including Freckles. If you like London Grammar, Beach House, or Chromatics then you need to listen to this.

The track is a subtle and sunny blend of dreampop, underpinning by a gentle and rhythmically progressive percussion; and led by shimmering guitars and the breathy, beguiling vocals of Mary Leay.

Leay has worked with the likes of Becky Hill, MK, and Cher in recent years, though while Freckles does hint at a pop melody, it seeks to soothe as much as it does move the listener emotionally.

The Band Spectra album sees Manning work with the likes of Angelica Allen, The Anchoress, and Olugbenga Adelekan over its nine tracks. For Manning – who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis – the album isn’t just about music, but also celebrating and raising awareness of disability and diversity within the music community.

Freckles and Band Spectra can be downloaded on Bandcamp and are also streaming on Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Spotify.

To learn more about Manning and his music, head to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Band Spectra receives Arts Council funding to help bring their ideas and music to a wider audience.