Doorway To Norway
Amazing Grease Records
www.oranger.net

story by Darren Paltrowitz
photo by Heidi Chaio

To describe Oranger as a psychedelic rock band or even as a power-pop band would be a greatly limiting and unfair portrayal. Rather, calling the trio consisting of Mike Drake, Matt Harris and Jim Lindsay a 60s-inspired group with an acute pop sensibility would be right on-the-mark. A blend of The Flaming Lips, The Beach Boys and The Who, Oranger is not afraid to infuse their sound with nods to their major influences. This is a band that puts their good taste in music to excellent use. Two examples are the hidden track cover of The Flaming Lips' "Slow Nerve Action" and the album's lead-off song entitled "Mike Love Not War".

Even if the composition of the songs were not extraordinary,
the work would stand solid on its phenomenal musicianship

The only 'problem' with "Doorway To Norway" is its length, as it clocks in at easily under thirty minutes not including its hidden track. Quality, however, prevails over quantity as all eight tracks are tremendously layered, offering something new to be experienced with each listen. Even if the composition of the songs were not extraordinary, the work would stand solid on its phenomenal musicianship. Drake and Harris unite to lead a sharp two-guitar attack infused with multi-part harmonies and Lindsay shows potential of being the next Keith Moon. (...no, not in terms of an affinity for excesses or an amusing attempt at a vocal-based solo album...) To put it simply, Jim Lindsay is one of the best rock drummers I've heard in years.

All in all, Oranger is perhaps the most promising export from the San Francisco scene since -- er -- Green Day, or maybe even Third Eye Blind -- (just kidding!). Judging from the likes of "Doorway To Norway", given another few more years of touring, Oranger will be easily selling by the millions.

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