Encouraging performance from the rising punk rock outfit.
Having enjoyed a UK tour in the company of Zebrahead and MC Lars earlier in the year, Californian four-piece Orange venture across the pond once more, this time to embark upon a summer tour with a number of headlining dates. With a good proportion of their set wisely based around songs from their 2009 album ‘Phoenix’, arguably their best album to do date, the punk rockers appear to know where their strengths lie, proving very promising as Orange continue to rise in popularity.
Although British-born vocalist/bassist Joe Dexter and drummer Zak Glosserman are the only two consistent members of the Orange line-up, it seems as if the current foursome have been playing together for years. Guitarist Alec Gomez, the most recent addition to the Orange family, appears right at home, contributing a performance that is both musically and behaviourally sound. Fellow guitarist/vocalist Perry Ladish meanwhile has developed a superb bond with Dexter, with the pair forming a convincing front to the Anglo-American band.
‘Each Other’ is a great example of Orange’s successful maturity, not only do their songs excel in a recorded form, but they possess a newfound energy when delivered in live performance. Even if onlookers are as-of-yet unfamiliar with the rising band, ‘Catching Up’ is instantly appreciable, with the Spanish-tinged introductory vocal shouts of “Ole, ole ole, ole...!” proving utterly infectious to those in attendance.
As Ladish took centre stage, the quartet launched into a cover of ‘Help!’. Although the Beatles continue to be the most covered band in history, this obviously did not deter the Los Angeles quartet. The result was highly impressive, with the nature of the song perfectly suited to its new punk rock style. With Ladish remaining in his new stage position, Orange continued their set with the original song ‘Never Going Out Again’, proving that the group certainly need not consider life as a cover band.
As they brought their set to a close with recent single ‘Revolution’, it was clear that the current incarnation of Orange (with regards to both personnel and musical identity) has a bright future ahead. Finishing off the set by wearing a British flag and plastic crown, Dexter was noticeably pleased to be back in his country of birth.
Orange may not be punk rock royalty just yet, but maybe one day...