There’s nothing better than an unexpected instrument making an appearance in a band’s musical repertoire. I’m talking about those saxophones, violas, glockenspiels, accordions and cowbells that suddenly ring out in the song you’re rocking out to, giving you that moment’s pause when you ask yourself, “This song is awesome – what instrument is that?”
Now compound that extra kick an interesting instrument gives a song by the factor of an entire orchestra – flutes, trumpets, trombones, violas, violins – and you’ve got Noah and the Whale’s very aptly titled “Love of an Orchestra.” Sure, I’m fairly certain that the soaring, sweeping, upbeat orchestral music in the background is supposed to serve as a somewhat ironic backdrop to the disheartening chorus of “if you’ve got to run, run from hope” but I still can’t get through this entire song without a ridiculously large smile on my face at the end. Even more so when I watch the adorable old dancing man in the video.