murder=whiteout
07/03/08, 03:41 PM
Wild Orchid Children - Elephants
Record Label: None
Release Date: November 13, 2007
This four-song EP from former Gatsbys American Dream members Kirk Huffman and Kyle O'Quin captures some of the same angular guitar work featured on Gatsbys American Dream's later releases, but brings a decidedly funky feeling to the table.
The first track, "Ahead of Us the Secret," kicks off with Huffman singing "P-p-p-p-put your hands where I can see 'em," instantly drawing the listener in with his distinct vocals, which are reminiscent of the Beastie Boys. The lead vocals are buried under a nice layer of distortion, which works well with the music, but makes the lyrics a bit difficult to decipher. It's hard not to bob your head to the guitar playing, which is sparse and relatively simple, cutting through the mix to make it's statement, and not dwelling too long. Halfway through the song, the keys and guitar take over the prominent rhythm section for a psychedelic break, and after another verse, the song slows down with cleaner vocals repeating over some high pitched chanting, then explodes into the funk-fueled ending.
"Tree of Knowledge" begins with a simple riff and drum beat and then what sounds like an electric organ, before the gang vocals grab your attention with a simple "Hey!" Huffman's screech dominates this song, especially when the music drops out and his rambling comes to the foreground: "Who's giving in when you can't keep that cool? / Dog-paddlin' endless in the same gene pool? / Ten fingers screaming, look what they made me! / Johnny Steve slangin' out of Mickey D's!" The lyrics are social commentary, but seemingly told through a heavy acid trip. This song is surprisingly danceable, and the use of gang vocals through the entire song makes it feel like an impromptu party was going on in the studio.
"Birth of a Cabin" is similar to the last two tracks, with superb instrumentation, and a pretty awesome guitar solo that ends too soon. The song breaks into hand claps, acoustic guitar, and quiet electronic drums, giving a strange beach vibe for a moment, before the rock comes back full force.
"Where the Mexican Boys Go" could almost be a b-side from Portugal. The Man's Church Mouth album. It sounds like a relaxed jam session, with some bongos, tambourines, and a lap steel. The song is a stark contrast to the rest of the albums chaos, and ends the song on a quiet note as Huffman sings, "Take me down where the Mexican boys they go / 'Cause there ain't no woman like the one I know, when she goes on down to the old Soho."
This EP shows a band with diversity, creativity, and talent. Even if it's just a side project for the members, Wild Orchid Children have the potential to outshine many of their peers in the music scene. This is a band to watch out for, and I'm sure future releases will blow minds far and wide.
Gatsbys American Dream, The Beastie Boys, LSD, funky psychedelic freakouts
myspace.com/wildorchidchildren (http://www.myspace.com/wildorchidchildren)
Record Label: None
Release Date: November 13, 2007
This four-song EP from former Gatsbys American Dream members Kirk Huffman and Kyle O'Quin captures some of the same angular guitar work featured on Gatsbys American Dream's later releases, but brings a decidedly funky feeling to the table.
The first track, "Ahead of Us the Secret," kicks off with Huffman singing "P-p-p-p-put your hands where I can see 'em," instantly drawing the listener in with his distinct vocals, which are reminiscent of the Beastie Boys. The lead vocals are buried under a nice layer of distortion, which works well with the music, but makes the lyrics a bit difficult to decipher. It's hard not to bob your head to the guitar playing, which is sparse and relatively simple, cutting through the mix to make it's statement, and not dwelling too long. Halfway through the song, the keys and guitar take over the prominent rhythm section for a psychedelic break, and after another verse, the song slows down with cleaner vocals repeating over some high pitched chanting, then explodes into the funk-fueled ending.
"Tree of Knowledge" begins with a simple riff and drum beat and then what sounds like an electric organ, before the gang vocals grab your attention with a simple "Hey!" Huffman's screech dominates this song, especially when the music drops out and his rambling comes to the foreground: "Who's giving in when you can't keep that cool? / Dog-paddlin' endless in the same gene pool? / Ten fingers screaming, look what they made me! / Johnny Steve slangin' out of Mickey D's!" The lyrics are social commentary, but seemingly told through a heavy acid trip. This song is surprisingly danceable, and the use of gang vocals through the entire song makes it feel like an impromptu party was going on in the studio.
"Birth of a Cabin" is similar to the last two tracks, with superb instrumentation, and a pretty awesome guitar solo that ends too soon. The song breaks into hand claps, acoustic guitar, and quiet electronic drums, giving a strange beach vibe for a moment, before the rock comes back full force.
"Where the Mexican Boys Go" could almost be a b-side from Portugal. The Man's Church Mouth album. It sounds like a relaxed jam session, with some bongos, tambourines, and a lap steel. The song is a stark contrast to the rest of the albums chaos, and ends the song on a quiet note as Huffman sings, "Take me down where the Mexican boys they go / 'Cause there ain't no woman like the one I know, when she goes on down to the old Soho."
This EP shows a band with diversity, creativity, and talent. Even if it's just a side project for the members, Wild Orchid Children have the potential to outshine many of their peers in the music scene. This is a band to watch out for, and I'm sure future releases will blow minds far and wide.
Gatsbys American Dream, The Beastie Boys, LSD, funky psychedelic freakouts
myspace.com/wildorchidchildren (http://www.myspace.com/wildorchidchildren)