Orange Star High CD Review

Who: Orange Star High

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What: Self-titled 5 song EP

When: Available as of April 1st, 2017

Where: Available on iTunes & Spotify; Merchandise is available

Cast:

Wil Whaley - Lead Vocals

Justin Velte - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Brady Whaley - Guitar/Vocals
Matthew Velte - Bass/Vocals
Lael Milum - Drums/Vocals

In A Word:  Coherent

Reminds Me Of: A more commercial, punk version of Avenged Sevenfold. Think their debut CD.

The Songs:

1. Number 1 (Hot Thespian Action) - This is the single. The first thing I heard from OSH months ago, and fell in love with it. Covered in hooks, the lead off track lets you know what these guys are going for musically. Matthew's jazz inspired bass lines create the perfect back drop for Wil's vocal inflections while setting the stage for the very oriental guitar melody. The chorus is even catchier as the lyrics say what we've all felt at one time or another. With Megadeth-type transitions, the bouncy groove tells you  these guys know their styles. I can visualize this on a very big stage.
2. Coming Down - This was released as the second single, I didn't really love this as first, but the more I listened to this, the more I like it. This song would not be lost in the shuffle of mainstream radio with its melodic chorus, raging bridge, and discordant verses. This song has a very "live" feel to it that allows space for the crowd to sing along. Justin's melodic lead passages and crunchy rhythms make him the MVP of this track, as he shows he can shred, but doesn't always have to to get his point across musically.
3. Anti-Love - The track has a very punchy rhythm that opens up to a catchy chorus, Wil's rebellious delivery drives this track with his snotty, "fuck you" attitude and unbridled passion. Wil is the type of singer I like, and this number proves it, that he sounds like he can't sing, but he really can and it really sneaks up on the listener as he focuses on inflecting the attitude, but creeps vocal melody in on you when you don't expect it. Lael's drumming stands out as well. The style runs the gamut of various rhythms and he syncs up with each turn perfectly, staying within the song, and creating a foundation for the rest of the band to follow along to.
4. Tearing Your Heart Out - This is a current favorite track of mine as it is an easy track to get lost in. I hear Neil Peart in Lael's drums, and any fan of the progressive, legendary band will dig the drive of this song. Think "Power Punk Rush", with Randy Rhoads type of tone for the rhythm guitars. The harmony guitars make this song separate itself from their peers of the same genre. Again, Matthew's bass lines are all over the place, but always in the right place at the right time, and with Lael and Matthew together, drives this song to where you think at anytime it could fall apart, but never does.
5. Brighter Side - The Avenged Sevenfold influence is very obvious on this track from the very first note through the last chorus with it's hybrid of punk attitude and thrashy musical interplay. The harmonies on this track really stand out here more than the other tracks, which is no small feat in and of itself. Justin takes a true moment to shine during the very choir-like guitar solo, letting his hair down (no pun intended) to show the listener what he can do when he wants to rip your face off. The rhythms of this song also invoke images of mosh pits, dollar beers, and many stage dives. It is like the band decided this was the last track to remind you they will tickle your ears while kicking your ass.

The Production: With the exception of a guitar edit on the track "Tearing My Heart Out" and some very minor mastering issues, the production on this EP is very stellar, not just for an independent band, but for many national acts as well. Sonically, you feel every kick drum, and bass line groove, while clearly hearing EVERY guitar line while never compromising any lead or backing vocal. This production was done with a plan, and if that plan wasn't achieved, it didn't miss by much. Many bands should be so lucky to have this kind of production on ANY of their releases, let alone their very first offering.

What Needs To Happen: I don't know the inner workings of a genre like this and it's lifespan, but the music is catchy enough, I don't think it can compromise the band's potential in the market sonically. I would suggest "dumbing down" some of the upcoming tracks for the next release so the musicianship is not lost on the casual listener. As the saying goes: "Keep it simple, stupid.". It also wouldn't hurt to slow down a little bit to let the listener breathe and take everything going on in and process it. This isn't to suggest the band has too much going on, but to keep the listener engaged,and not exhausted after a few spins. The trick is to not think on your level, but to think on their level, and to not get lost going over the listener's head.

The next thing is a big deal many bands dismiss, and OSH is not exception; image. I am going to take some liberties here to point out what is wrong. Look like a band. Look like four guys who actually share a style, think the same things, and run in the same social circles. Record companies look at this type of thing and visualize what you look like on a flyer. This also is a non-musical way of letting people know where you are coming from to engage them into listening to your music. If every guy looks different, the potential listener isn't able to get a grasp before listening and will assume it is a mess. It IS your first impression.

Conclusion: I am not supposed to like this, but I'm not supposed to do many things I have done. This is not the genre I typically work in (although I listen to some often), but has enough familiarity in it that I feel very comfortable in my critique of their work. THIS IS VERY GOOD AND I SUGGEST SEEKING THIS OUT AND GIVING IT A LISTEN OR TEN. This is a very coherent EP where the songs are not only good, but make sense with each other with depth while not sounding redundant or contrived.

This is also the type of thing other bands will be jealous of. Two things: 1) shut the fuck up, and 2) get to work. These guys had a clear vision, put in the work, and got the kind of results that would make anyone proud. This is who sits at the cool kids table in the cafeteria.

Final Grade: B+ with extra credit can make it an A-. Loads of potential, and I feel this best is yet to come, and I'm ready to go along for the ride.

Until we meet again...