Continua

Description

Continua, the second album by Orbital Ensemble, will be released on June 19, 2026 on We Are Busy Bodies. This record propels the group's neo-tropical psychedelic sound toward more ambitious and collaborative territories. Written and produced by Felipe Sena, a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto, in collaboration with Artu Bastos and Dan McLay, the album features rich arrangements and the participation of notable guests on vocals, strings, and harp. Recorded primarily live with overdubs, the album captures the magnetic force of the group while pursuing its vision of uniting Brazilian musical heritage with the exploration of contemporary jazz and psychedelia. The album was recorded during an intensive four-day session in August 2025 at Pine Island Studio, a secluded studio on the shores of Stoney Lake in Ontario. The ten compositions were recorded live by an ensemble of six musicians, mirroring Orbital's touring lineup, allowing the musical energy and interaction to flourish naturally. The session brought together Jon Catanus on drums, Ana Higuera on percussion, Dan McLay on bass, Felipe Sena and Artu Bastos on guitars, and Jakob Leeson on saxophone. The recordings were later enriched in Toronto with the addition of several elements: flute and saxophones by Mei Akanuma, vocals by Daniela Longaray, string arrangements by Jessica Deustch, vocals and percussion by Cajú Collective, and harp by Rachel Kitchlew recorded in the United Kingdom. Released worldwide with 45 rpm singles produced by Cajú Collective, Continua marks a new step in the evolution of Orbital Ensemble. Across its ten tracks, the album explores themes of resilience, presence, saudade, forgiveness, and spiritual protection, while expanding the project's sonic palette between cosmic jazz melodies and dense psychedelic sounds.