Electing to release a live album for their debut full length shows how much value this most obscurely named Los Angeles-based act place on the emotional side of their music. For H Is Orange of course, "Don't Trust The Easy" is of vast importance; having inspired many locally with their debut EP "Be Silent And Know" the group are now looking towards a larger emporium, that of the world. And this eleven tracker is their weapon of choice on the mission, though that analogy is pretty poor to be fair, as this is not a work which takes upon the violence such a metaphor may suggest. For H Is Orange are self-schooled in the art of efflorescent melodies, and "Don't Trust The Easy" documents exactly what they have accomplished to date.
The key thing with live recordings is foremost the recording quality, and it is of particular necessity that this should be as clear as possible when this release is the only available format for the majority of H Is Orange's songs. Usefully, the mix on "Don't Trust The Easy" generally fits this requirement, and allows their music to shine through accompanied with the added atmosphere that tends to rise with the crowd reception between tracks. Rhythmical and nimble bass motions back up the flowing movements guitar-wise, and the music is propelled forward via the clear and emotional vocals of their frontman. With two guitarists in the band providing the string-work, H Is Orange utilize this pairing efficiently, with multiple parts layered in an effective manner that increases the complexity without making the music over-challenging to the casual ear. Which is not to say they are necessarily simplistic, for the melodic rock which pours out of this release is of far more interest than most likely anything which will be pushed towards radio airwaves this year.
Ranging from light poetic caresses to more upbeat generally bass-led attacks in the more momentous songs, "Don't Trust The Easy" showcases a young act still gleaming with ideas and throwing a lot of effort into putting them across.
While they may be a little too elegant and peaceful in their music for those who don't embrace such qualities, the melodies and lavish tunes penned by H Is Orange thus far are a powerful display of how to go about writing thoughtful and seductive music which can quite literally sell itself. An impressive outing for an early release, this collection of their finest songs at present will no doubt be looked back upon with fondness for many years to come, as H Is Orange attain notoriety in increasingly wide circles. For a relaxing but adventurous listen, "Don't Trust The Easy" should be acquired.
IATEYOURMICROPHONE.COM
13-march-2004
Thanks for listening.
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