Orange - Welcome To The World Of...
Orange is a lot like the countless punk rock bands that sprout up like weeds in any high school only they're a ton better than any I remember back in the day. Stylistically it's rooted in '77 style punk, complete with faux cockney accent vocals and simple, straight forward punk anthems but there are a few modern touches that push it above and beyond just faithful mimicry of the punk forefathers. Opting for a style of punk that emerged before these kids were even born seems kind of ironic but their exceptional songwriting and musical ability quickly squelches any notion that this isn't what they were born to play.
While this debut is chock full of well crafted punk tunes overflowing with strong sing along choruses, it should be noted these guys are not kiddy versions of U.S. Bombs or The Stitches. Instead they opt for a more pop centric approach that has more in common with Green Day than The Clash. But even that comparison doesn't really do their sound justice. What really sets them apart from the pack is the tasteful lead guitar work. The songs are loaded with catchy leads that perfectly accent the songs without coming across like useless wanking. Cuts like the opening "Hollywood" and "Cool Mexicans" are turned from pretty good songs to ones that are stuck in your head for days by the use of hooky as hell lead work. This adds a big melodic element to their sound that sets them apart from some of their arguably less talented predecessors and more literal minded contemporaries.
The other aspect of their music I enjoyed was their tendency to go with more of a wall of sound/droning approach. The guitars/drums/bass are mixed together so that nothing stands out apart from anything else as opposed to say a Rancid where everything is distinct and separate. This style, coupled with the even tone of vocal delivery and tons of backing vocal harmonies, lulls you into the groove of the songs where the stylish lead guitar work takes over to hammer it home. Of course this means the songs lack an aggressive edge and lean more heavily towards the pop side of the spectrum but it never gets too sugary.
The only department they don't deliver in is the lyrics. The subject matter is your typical high school fare about girls, sticking it to the man, school is lame etc. I guess I can look past it as at that age that's probably all I cared about too but it does cause a few eye rolls here and there from us "adults".
Orange has managed to deliver a pretty accomplished debut by anyone's standards. That they are high school kids makes it all the more amazing. If they stay on course they should have a few great albums out before most people have a chance to write even one good album.
While this debut is chock full of well crafted punk tunes overflowing with strong sing along choruses, it should be noted these guys are not kiddy versions of U.S. Bombs or The Stitches. Instead they opt for a more pop centric approach that has more in common with Green Day than The Clash. But even that comparison doesn't really do their sound justice. What really sets them apart from the pack is the tasteful lead guitar work. The songs are loaded with catchy leads that perfectly accent the songs without coming across like useless wanking. Cuts like the opening "Hollywood" and "Cool Mexicans" are turned from pretty good songs to ones that are stuck in your head for days by the use of hooky as hell lead work. This adds a big melodic element to their sound that sets them apart from some of their arguably less talented predecessors and more literal minded contemporaries.
The other aspect of their music I enjoyed was their tendency to go with more of a wall of sound/droning approach. The guitars/drums/bass are mixed together so that nothing stands out apart from anything else as opposed to say a Rancid where everything is distinct and separate. This style, coupled with the even tone of vocal delivery and tons of backing vocal harmonies, lulls you into the groove of the songs where the stylish lead guitar work takes over to hammer it home. Of course this means the songs lack an aggressive edge and lean more heavily towards the pop side of the spectrum but it never gets too sugary.
The only department they don't deliver in is the lyrics. The subject matter is your typical high school fare about girls, sticking it to the man, school is lame etc. I guess I can look past it as at that age that's probably all I cared about too but it does cause a few eye rolls here and there from us "adults".
Orange has managed to deliver a pretty accomplished debut by anyone's standards. That they are high school kids makes it all the more amazing. If they stay on course they should have a few great albums out before most people have a chance to write even one good album.
