Hill Collective - Fire In Orbit (2026) [Hi-Res]

Brighton-based collective Hill Collective, led by alto saxophonist and composer Pete Piskov, release "Fire In Orbit" — their first release on Batov Records and their most mature studio statement to date. The band formed after Piskov's previous trio, whose members had founded the Ancient Infinity Orchestra, relocated to Leeds; drawing on Brighton's close musical network, the group grew into a flexible, sometimes large ensemble. Over three years, Hill Collective became a notable presence on Brighton's jazz scene, playing Love Supreme Festival and The Great Escape, supporting Etuk Ubong, and earning praise for their 2024 debut album "Tonal Prophecy" (released via Fin Du Monde), which drew comparisons to Sun Ra, Charles Mingus, and Ornette Coleman.
The new album was recorded in three unhurried days at Sea Breeze Studios by the band members themselves, free of financial pressure, giving the sessions both tighter structure and looser spirit. Four key tracks showcase different facets of the group: the title track "Fire In Orbit" builds a celebratory, communal spiritual jazz groove with choral vocals and collective improvisation; "Keep Breathing" becomes an almost meditative mantra through calling vocals over a steady pulse; "A House Is A Home Like Honey" unfolds slowly like a sunrise, leaving space to breathe; and closer "Song For A Blossom Baby" returns to clearer form with angular phrasing and eastern-tinged modal colors, ending on a note of release.
The band's sound absorbs the influence of Sun Ra (philosophical as much as musical), along with the freedom of Ornette Coleman, the structural power of Charles Mingus, the lyricism of Eric Dolphy, and the collective consciousness of Art Ensemble of Chicago, naturally incorporating elements of Latin rhythm and Arabic modality. At its heart, the album is rooted in Brighton's atmosphere of friendship and creative community, with many members having been friends before the band formed. "Fire In Orbit" becomes an allegory for that community: bodies in motion, held by invisible forces, generating warmth and light together — a record where freedom and form finally align.

Tracklist:
1-1 Hill Collective - Fire In Orbit [8:58]
1-2 Hill Collective - Keep Breathing [10:16]
1-3 Hill Collective - A House Is A Home Like Honey [8:04]
1-4 Hill Collective - Song For A Blossom Baby [10:37]