
Looking back at my gig/interview diary, I think I have known about Josh Orange since 2012 – and what is amazing is that they are still together!
Their previous albums have had that folk/pop feel to them whereas Midnight Lights shines above those other albums, as good as they are.
Starting off with Little Miss America (already a hit single) is like listening to a vocal blend of Dire Straits/Dylan with Byrdsian jangling guitar filling out the background. It is an amazing track and so different to the band’s previous work. Listening to the album, I had trouble moving on past this track! This is very much an international song and I hope the band get their well-deserved exposure.
The title track, Midnight Lights, has that almost dream pop backing with Gordon Burke’s vocals directing where every instrument should fit in and with Andy, Alex and Gav being as tight as ever and giving the band their unique sound.
We’re All On The Run is one of the more ballad like numbers on this album and it relates to all our frailties as we ARE all on the run from something/someone. This should carry a warning as it could be a real tearjerker for many people, both male and female. Gordon’s ability to write in so many styles is amazing and the band’s interpretation of them is outstanding. This band has musically matured so much over the years and we need to hold onto them before they gain fame and fortune overseas.
Gordon’s songs are not far behind Paul Kelly’s, yet they are different and very much of Gordon and the band’s making. The tightness of the rhythm section is something more bands should listen to, with the guitars at just the right level and not overwhelming the songs. The lead guitar is spot on-no seventies solos here!
The gentle use of brushes in the percussion and the heights Gordon’s vocals soar to with the rest of the band carefully and quietly following is something I have not heard on other recent tracks.
Who is JOSH ORANGE? If this intro to them has not interested you go to Soundcloud and listen to the real thing and if you disagree with my overall perception of this band, I will only be able to think you were listening to the wrong band!
Too many bands head overseas for good as they do not gain the recognition due to them and hence base themselves in Europe or The States; let us not let this band slip the net as it would be a loss to our Australian music scene.
What more can I say about JOSH ORANGE and MIDNIGHT LIGHTS? A lot, but I would prefer it if you would purchase their work and help support and retain one of our most talented bands.
Tony Bates
Uncut and Unsigned – 3MDR.com
Their previous albums have had that folk/pop feel to them whereas Midnight Lights shines above those other albums, as good as they are.
Starting off with Little Miss America (already a hit single) is like listening to a vocal blend of Dire Straits/Dylan with Byrdsian jangling guitar filling out the background. It is an amazing track and so different to the band’s previous work. Listening to the album, I had trouble moving on past this track! This is very much an international song and I hope the band get their well-deserved exposure.
The title track, Midnight Lights, has that almost dream pop backing with Gordon Burke’s vocals directing where every instrument should fit in and with Andy, Alex and Gav being as tight as ever and giving the band their unique sound.
We’re All On The Run is one of the more ballad like numbers on this album and it relates to all our frailties as we ARE all on the run from something/someone. This should carry a warning as it could be a real tearjerker for many people, both male and female. Gordon’s ability to write in so many styles is amazing and the band’s interpretation of them is outstanding. This band has musically matured so much over the years and we need to hold onto them before they gain fame and fortune overseas.
Gordon’s songs are not far behind Paul Kelly’s, yet they are different and very much of Gordon and the band’s making. The tightness of the rhythm section is something more bands should listen to, with the guitars at just the right level and not overwhelming the songs. The lead guitar is spot on-no seventies solos here!
The gentle use of brushes in the percussion and the heights Gordon’s vocals soar to with the rest of the band carefully and quietly following is something I have not heard on other recent tracks.
Who is JOSH ORANGE? If this intro to them has not interested you go to Soundcloud and listen to the real thing and if you disagree with my overall perception of this band, I will only be able to think you were listening to the wrong band!
Too many bands head overseas for good as they do not gain the recognition due to them and hence base themselves in Europe or The States; let us not let this band slip the net as it would be a loss to our Australian music scene.
What more can I say about JOSH ORANGE and MIDNIGHT LIGHTS? A lot, but I would prefer it if you would purchase their work and help support and retain one of our most talented bands.
Tony Bates
Uncut and Unsigned – 3MDR.com