Orca Station are a two piece from Salem Ohio. Now, I'm not noted for any particular interest in this sort of 90s Alt Rock. I generally look at it as been and gone and I've never expected it to return in any big way. It was generally nice when it was new, but became so samey.
It became a parody, College Rock became dominated by it and I just wanted something chirpier after a while. But this is great and there are a number of reasons. It is a reminder of the first blooms of Grunge, when it was fresh. Also being a duo really helps Pangs.
Devon plays drums and Rich does the rest and all power to Rich, but it is those drums that grabbed me first. They are extraordinarily great and drive the whole thing. The songs here a rhythm, almost a jam and it is hypnotic, but the drums not only supply the rhythm, but they provide the variation.
The album is at its best when it is heads down on a song like Sylows, but Bluer adds interesting diversions to the Alt Rock template, almost Metal at times and hints of Psych. The vocals are always going to keep you in check throughout, but that is really what they are meant to do.
Just wait for the closing Hitchhiker, it is slower, moodier and absolutely gripping. It desperately wants to be a ballad, but doesn't quite get there. But it is incredibly melancholic and groove driven. This album came as quite a surprise to me. I really enjoyed it.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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