Sonic Symphonic: The Architects of Cinematic Rock

Sonic Symphonic is a British rock ensemble known for its ambitious fusion of progressive rock structures with orchestral grandeur. The band, formed in London, achieved commercial breakthrough with their 2018 album Horizons, which charted in the UK Top 20 and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

Sonic Symphonic was formed in 2012 by composer and guitarist Arlo Vance and classically trained violinist Elena Petrov. The duo began crafting intricate instrumentals, blending Vance's rock background with Petrov's orchestral arrangements, and self-released their debut EP Prelude in 2014. Their unique sound quickly garnered attention in the UK's independent music scene, leading to a signing with the boutique label Aether Records in 2015.

Breakthrough

The band's major label debut, the 2018 album Horizons on Mercury Records, served as their mainstream breakthrough. Propelled by the lead single "Ascend," the album debuted at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart and received widespread critical acclaim for its cinematic scope. "Ascend" itself was certified Gold in the UK for sales exceeding 400,000 copies, cementing the band's arrival.

Key tracks

Ascend — This Gold-certified single defined their signature sound and became a staple of rock radio.

Chrono — A complex, multi-movement track showcasing their progressive rock influences and technical prowess.

Echoes in the Ether — Featured a notable collaboration with the London Session Orchestra, highlighting their cinematic approach.

Vertigo — Known for its dynamic shifts, this track became a fan favorite and a highlight of their live performances.

Following Horizons, Sonic Symphonic embarked on extensive international touring, including performances with full orchestral accompaniment. Their 2021 sophomore album, Resonance, debuted even higher in the charts and included a collaboration with renowned cellist Tina Guo. The band continues to push the boundaries of the cinematic rock genre, consistently selling out concert halls known for their superior acoustics.

Fans of Sonic Symphonic's epic, layered sound also frequently enjoy Muse for their theatrical rock approach and grand compositions. Godspeed You! Black Emperor shares a similar affinity for building sweeping, post-rock soundscapes. The orchestral rock ambitions of The Smashing Pumpkins on albums like Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness provide another touchstone. Listeners may also appreciate the progressive intricacies of Porcupine Tree, led by Steven Wilson.

Sonic Symphonic's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on stations dedicated to progressive rock, modern rock formats, and specialty shows focusing on film scores and instrumental music. Their tracks are regularly featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion artistically ambitious rock.

You can hear the powerful, cinematic rock of Sonic Symphonic on various radio stations featured on our website. Explore and listen to their genre-defying music through the curated rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.