Orphan Boy // Passion, Pain & Loyalty // Out Now // Concrete Recordings
Orphan Boy are not a new band. They released their debut album, Shop Local back in 2008 which presented them as a band that was rough around the edges and a pure burst of indie rock.
However, with their new LP Passion, Pain and Loyalty there is a definite sense of longing to make it big and go mainstream- which I can’t blame them for! This album has latched onto the poppy, melodic concept of a chorus in each song, as it’s the only way to attract the masses. And of course we know this because, one of their tracks is entitled “Popsong” which creates a lovely sense of a warm sunny day skipping through an English field.
However, the biggest picture that I get from this album is Channel 4’s Skins. I really hope this is included within the soundtrack for the next series- this oozes Skins, in the sense of different backgrounds, vibes and messages. No two songs on this album sound the same, each has its own meaning and feeling.
Some would say that this is a pretty artistic approach for Orphan Boy as their product does indeed conjure mixed results. On occasion when they take on the idea of rock/pop, the nail isn’t quite being hit on the head- it’s a bit too laddish rock (the kind that sit in their bedrooms playing Xbox for long periods of time.)
Tracks such as Letter for Annie and Anderson Shelter Blues sadly don’t grab my attention, they only provoke a headache. However, I won’t give up all hope on Orphan Boy, as the last track on the album is very enjoyable A180 Song is very mellow and brings about a fantastic space theme, which truly reminds me of the epic 90s play station classic 40 Winks.
A180 Song is a fabulously perfect ending to this album and it is for this reason that I shall rate it a sturdy 7 out of 10.
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