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: : The Red Tree (demo) : :
When I first got this disc, I put it aside. Later, I just happened to
let it spin. Initially, I thought it was an album from the Black Label
Society. Why? Because it began in the grungiest of fashions. Several
songs in, it became much less brutal, and then I began to think there
was something else to it. Not too long after this epiphany, I made a
real revelation. Out of nowhere, I realized that this was waken and
roused by the artist and mastermind currently known as Shane Lankford of
The Orphan Project.
To be honest, the only physical indication of this link was some
teeny-tiny script written on the label of this powder pink compact.
Furthermore, I was confounded by the fact that this could be considered
a demo.* It was just too good to stick it with that tag, and there is
not much else the band could have done to enhance it.
Obviously, it’s in a similar vein to its predecessor Orphan Found, but I
wouldn’t call it an exact replica. To my ears, it’s more of a forest
fire, an inferno, or a conflagration fed by the combustible kindlings of
Crash Test Dummies, Pearl Jam, and Pink Floyd. With that said, it
incorporates some very influential lighter fluid.
All the songs are great and it actually seemed to get better as it
progressed forward. However, number seven really stands out from a
melodic standpoint. It’s no wonder it’s the title track. Besides, this
song is also a showcase of their superior singing.
Another surprise was some excellent riffing. In general, this brilliance
on the guitar was scattered about in many places. No joke, their shiny
wrappers could be found littered inside every crevice. It reminded me of
Ian Thornley’s abilities as demonstrated in Big Wreck’s “The Oaf”.
So that all the accolades don’t go to the frontrunner, let me touch upon
the next contestants to cross the finish line and reach hometown square.
“Y.F.M.O.” is a shoe-in for runner-up as it shares some very interesting
electronica. It includes cool sequencers, translucent synthesizers, and
relentlessly clever soundbytes. In its efforts, it embodies Stone Temple
Pilots and Live.
Even though it’s the
last one out of the gate, “While I’m Alive” snatches up the consolation
prize. It’s not progressive and in some ways it’s instantly ready for
the radio waves. While this blotch might not exactly burst like pop,
it’s upbeat and peppy enough for an acne commercial. Maybe that doesn’t
give us the best illustration, and if you’re a progression fan you might
seen this as a blemish, but when in need, there’s nothing like Noxema or
Proactiv to clear up that patchy pustular lesion.
For something less abrasive, all we need to do is rewind. Tracks four
(9th Floor) and five (Little Girl Lost) bring us the pore-cleansing
properties of Vaseline’s Skin Soft formula. Nevertheless, each pad
offers a slightly different texture while being a part of the same
effective exfoliating system in the carton.
All I can think of is that if their demos are this good, I can hardly
wait for them to release future offerings. Ladies and gentleman, I think
we have a winner. Out of retirement, Orphan Project returns and is
curtly crowned the next undisputed champion.
While this is the band formerly known as Project (Orphan Project that
is), they’ve reestablished themselves as a band that’s just as
intriguing as its former self. If you’re down with OPP (not sure what
the extra P entails, but I thought that sounded pretty cool) than I’m
sure you’ll accept their alter-ego.
8.75/10
Reviewer: Josh
Turner
* Later Lankford explained to me that I got the same material as the
official release. It so happens that critics got this in an alternate
format. So, if you got one of these so-called demos, it is essential you
also put something positive in print.
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
The Red Tree (demo) - 2006 |
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