Contínua is the second full-length by Orbital Ensemble, set for release on June 19th, 2026, by We Are Busy Bodies, pushing the group’s neotropical psychedelic sound into more ambitious and collaborative territory. Written and produced by Toronto-based, Brazilian native multi-instrumentalist Felipe Sena with co-writers Artu Bastos and Dan McLay, the album features expansive arrangements and special guests on vocals, strings and harp. Recorded primarily live off the floor with additional overdubs, the record captures the band's magnetic force while continuing their vision of blending Brazilian musical heritage with contemporary psychedelic and jazz exploration. The album was recorded during an intensive four day session in August 2025 at Pine Island Studio, an isolated studio on Stoney Lake in Ontario. The ten compositions were tracked live as a six piece ensemble, mirroring Orbital’s touring formation and allowing the music’s energy and interaction to unfold naturally. The session featured 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 developed further in Toronto with additional layers including 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 UK. Released worldwide with supporting seven inch singles produced by Cajú Collective, Contínua marks the next chapter in Orbital Ensemble’s evolution. 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 sound.
