Orange – Welcome To The World Of…

As soon as I saw this CD, I had incredibly mixed feelings. Right away, they start off with a head start simply because they are on Hellcat Records, which, like its sister label Epitaph, constantly releases solid albums.So you know, that if they are on the label, you’re in for a treat right away. But then, as you look around the CD and actually see the band, you start to get your doubts. In every single press picture throughout the album, every member of the band seems to be trying way too hard to be cool and “punk” like. Now that’s a lot to say about press pictures, because bands always try to look cool in them. But these guys are just trying way too hard, so right away that plants some seeds of doubt. But then, throwing in another curve ball, you keep looking at the booklet and start to get more hope. The lyrics are impressive, and that’s plain to see. The lyrics are simple and direct and are, quite frankly, perfect teenage punk anthems. They aren’t too serious, but still have certain power to them. Considering the band are just teenagers themselves, they sing about what they know. Things any teenager can relate to.

So now I have this CD and I’m full of high hopes for it. And it’s time for me to give it a spin. Right away, I was a little set back. Personally, after reading the lyrics and hyping them up in my mind, I was hoping for something a little bit stronger. More in your face with more attitude and angst. Instead, I was greeted with a much more laid back punk rock sound. But after a few listens, that sound really started to grow on me. Joe Denman’s British accented vocals sound perfect. They bare a close resemblance to that of Rancid‘s Tim Armstrong, just with a little less gruffness to them. Behind the infectious vocals, you get solid backup chants and great punk rock melodies.

There’s not many negatives things that you can say about the album. It’s simple. Full of catchy lyrics and great melodies. Its a straight forward punk album that fits into the Epitaph and Hellcat roster quite well. It’s laid back and would’ve been the perfect summer sing along album if the summer wasn’t already over. I’ve been ushered into the world of Orange and I like what I see and always remember, Never take a moment for granted, this life is all we got. Love it, live it, rock!