Search - Mock Orange :: First Ep

This band is never content with their sound, it seems.

Scott Heisel | Cleveland, OH | 05/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mock Orange seems stuck in a permanent identity crisis. Their first album, "Nines and Sixes," has an almost-Lagwagon feel to it. Their sophomore effort, "The Record Play," [reviewed here] seemed to owe more to bands like Braid and American Football than anything on Fat Wreck. Now, after a label change, the band brings us their latest EP, aptly entitled "First EP." Why do I believe the title is so accurate? Well, it's because once again the group has seemed to give their sound a complete overhaul, almost to the point where they sound like a completely new band. If I had to name some influences on this record, my mind would immediately run to bands like Modest Mouse, Pavement, and Death Cab For Cutie, as opposed to their harder influences of the past.Gone are the crazy time changes and frantic guitar riffing. In their places are more straightforward pop songs coupled with slide guitar. Main singer Ryan's vocals have taken a drastic turn, as well. I still can't decide if it's for better or worse. On past recordings he seemed to be spitting out his vocals with intensity and vigor, whereas now his voice seems to take a more relaxed approach, playfully integrating his falsetto with the spacious guitar parts.Like I said before, this EP makes the band sound like a completely different entity - keeping up with their string of identity reassignments. Standing on it's own two feet, this EP can hold it's own and is actually pretty original-sounding in today's music scene. If this is the new direction of Mock Orange, I can't wait to hear their upcoming full length.Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if the next album sounds like a polka band."

Something original in todays music

Ted | San Angelo, TX United States | 05/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"some of the most well written songs i have heard in a long while. everything is just as great as all the older lp's but more mature. in one of the reveiws below someone mentioned that these songs had a poppy sound to them and thats just a bunch of bull. these songs are very far from poppy. they ahve sort of a old classic rock feel to them that just makes me drol. not a bad song on here, and the full length should be more of the same."

I dont understand....

Ted | San Angelo, TX United States | 05/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"how anyone could like the older stuff better then this ep. i hope they have a full length coming out very soon because after hearing these songs i just want more. everyone buy this CD. this CD destroys the other 2."