Belgian classical ensemble Echo Collective covered Radiohead's 'Amnesiac' (listen)

Belgian ensemble Echo Collective has been bridging the gap between classical, modern composers and electronic/dance music for a few years now. Led by Neil Leiter and Margaret Hermant, Echo Collective have worked with Stars of the Lid, A Winged Victory For The Sullen, the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, made a collaborative album with Erasure, and more. “We come at it from the classical side,” says Leiter. “We bring our understanding to the neo-classical world.”

Echo Collective are also known for their reinterpretations of other artists work. A couple years ago they played a residency at Brussels venue Ancienne Belgique where they were commissioned to reinterpret either Radiohead’s Kid A or Amnesiac. They chose Amnesiac, as Leiter said it “had more layers, more complexity, was a little more esoteric, so there was more to chew on and add our sound to.” Their gorgeous, sometimes spooky arrangements featured a string trio, woodwinds, and more and you can watch video of them performing “Pyrmaid Song” from Ancienne Belgique below.

Electronic label K7 (home to the DJ Kicks series) signed Echo Collective and earlier this year released a studio version of Amnesiac and you can stream that in full below. K7 will next release an album of Echo Collective’s original compositions so stay tuned for that.

Radiohead, meanwhile, wrapped up a North American tour a couple weeks back and Thom Yorke just announced a solo tour.