Thomas Ross Fitzsimons expertly navigates the space between the concert hall and the circuitry of the studio. A British-Australian composer with a foundation in classical performance, “Fitz” has gradually shifted his focus from purely acoustic expression to a hybrid world where orchestral elements converse with sampled textures and synthesized forms. This evolution is clear in his diverse projects, which range from the comedic landscape of “Everyone Else Burns” to the acclaimed documentary “The Cathedral.” His ongoing series, “The Planets,” marks a significant chapter in this artistic journey, born from hands-on tinkering with modular hardware and inspired by the atmospheric work of figures like Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Alessandro Cortini, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. For the second volume, Fitzsimons returns to the same celestial source that guided Gustav Holst: the astrological writings of Alan Leo.

For the movement “Jupiter,” Fitzsimons fully embraces Leo’s conception of the planet as a beacon of optimism and growth. The composition avoids any hint of royal fanfare or baroque ornamentation, instead building its expansive vision from the ground up with a foundation of insistent, driving rhythms. These pulsating patterns create a powerful sense of propulsion, as if launching the listener on a journey. Above this kinetic engine, Fitzsimons layers vast, warm chords that bleed into one another with a pleasing saturation, crafting an immense and open soundscape that favours textural immersion over melodic declaration. The result is a deeply atmospheric and hopeful experience, capturing the essence of boundless potential and forward momentum through a distinctly electronic lens.

You can find (and buy) this and other music pearls on the Bandcamp page of the artist.

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