Josh Orange are a seasoned Folk Rock band from Sydney, Australia, known for their evolving sound and critical acclaim — blending rich, layered atmospheric elements into their sound, they push the boundaries of genre with their every release — and their latest album, “Birds For The Bayou” is no stranger to poignance — keep reading for my thoughts!
If there’s one thing to talk about this 11-track magnum opus, it’s the relaxed, easygoing nature with which the album opens, with the title track, “Birds For The Bayou”. Right from the opening notes, you’re transported to this organic, ethereal realm where everything just seems to slow down to the perfect pace — the melodies rolling in one after another, making way for new musical motifs, while being firmly grounded in the foundation that this track is built on, setting the stage for the rest of the album quite eloquently.
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As we move towards the next track, “What Have We Become” takes a bit more a self-reflecting tone with excellent balance in the energy throughout as the vocals shine with their multiple layers, and the charming guitars remain warm and welcoming in their presentation. There’s much to appreciate about the soulful acoustic guitars in the background that play perfect support to the beautiful vocals (did I say that already?), and Josh Orange deliver them with emotive finesse and great sing-along-ability. The pace of the track picks up ever so slightly as the track progresses, evolving with the energy, making for a refreshing, soul-filling journey.
“Wide Awake” comes next up, with its slower, more downtempo acoustic ballad-like sound in the intro, while the lyrics speak of messages of hope and togetherness with subtle undertones of love — and it’s heartwarming. From start to finish, one fights the overwhelming urge to just sway to the gentle dalliances of the music, and that’s the kind of good songwriting that makes “Birds For The Bayou” such a beautiful listen.
At this point, I’d deem it prudent to talk about the production on “Birds For The Bayou” — and it’s a comforting affair with just the right mixes of the acoustics and the electrics for the extra drama, with cameo appearances from the synths that dot the whole of the album. The sound design is just about as perfect as it gets for maximum emotional impact; and boy, does the ensemble hold sway over the listening experience; all in a great way, of course; the mixing is very well-balanced, the master is nice and neutral, and the vocals truly do shine like stye deserve to. The energy dynamics in all of the tracks bring a smile to one’s face as they yearn for “Birds For The Bayou” to never cease playing; only to be wistfully bid goodbye to by the closer, “I Feel Alive”.
All in all, “Birds For The Bayou”, by Josh Orange: A heartwarming, soulful pop rock record that does not shy away from its atmosphere, and makes for a solid winner of a listen. Take a listen to it here!
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