Oranjuly "s/t"

As a music junkie, you gotta love stumbling across a great unsigned band that deserves attention, and here is one for sure. Oranjuly is the creative brainchild of singer/songwriter Brian E. King who worked over three years on these tracks. Orangjuly is also the combination of Brian’s birth-month and his favorite color. He added a few friends like Jordan Weaver (guitar), Greg Souza (keys), Chris Erickson (bass) and Lou Paniccia (drums) to round things out.

The album recalls plenty of classic pop influences without leaning too heavily on them and making hook filled magic. Starting with “Her Camera” its perfect blend of Wilson-esque harmonies, melodies and Weezer-like guitar riffs. The bouncy piano lead of “Mrs. G” is a Ben Folds styled compact symphony with a dense chorus and wicked guitar outro. The romantic “I Could Break Your Heart” compares well with Lamar Holley, full of hand claps and clever shifts in key. Like a box of chocolates, each track is a new sweet flavor, from the indie-guitar pop of “The Coldest Summer” to the delicate harpsichord and horn arrangement on “Hiroshige’s Japan.” The retro chords of “207 Days” is another joy that combines a Rundgren-like mid-tempo sound with a chorus of “ooh la las” that is just amazing. What else here can I rave about? Every track just shines with no filler to be found makes it a slam dunk to be the best power pop debut of the year. Currently the band is on tour with The Luxury and Spirit Kid — see them now before the crowds get too big.

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