Orgy connects the '80s and '90s with success

Outfitted like the bastard sons of Duran Duran and The Cure, while boasting a Goodwill-to-Gucci style complete with glam accents of hair dye and mascara, Orgy band members justify the phrase "dressed for success."

On "Candyass," Orgy introduces itself as the purveyor of your favorite '80s songs by producing music that sounds like a head-on collision with Ministry. Consisting of Jay Gordon on vocals (yes, the same Jay Gordon who produced Coal Chamber's debut), Ryan Shuck on guitar, Amir Derakh on guitar synths, Paige Haley on bass and Bobby Hewitt on drums, Orgy cleverly mixes electronic sounds and vocal hooks of the previous decade in a ferocious form with a late '90s attitude. They even include a faithful-yet-updated take on New Order's "Blue Monday" on the album.

Jay Gordon's vocal delivery is passionate and well-executed on all songs while Ryan Shuck's guitars and Paige Haley's bass are no less competent. The real show stealers here, however, are synth guitarist Amir Derakh's experimental noodlings and drummer Bobby Hewitt's electronic-sounding drums, the combination of which make for plenty of ear candy.

Orgy
Candyass Elementree/Reprise 3 1/2 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Adlin Rosli

But as this is not merely just an album of earcandy, Orgy manages to complement all its songs with quality songwriting. Track after track, Orgy never fails to keep the listener intrigued. Opening the album with the terrific dark and groovy "Social Enemies" the band sets the tone for the entire album. The following 11 tracks do not let the momentum fade away, as the band guides you through a tour of the valleys and peaks of sonic experimentation wrapped around laments and celebrations of relationship dysfunctions.

Highlights include the relentlessly catchy "Stitches" and the deliciously wicked "Pantomime." Elementree Record's co-owner and Korn singer Jonathan Davies makes an appearance on "Revival," bringing his frail yet manic vibe to the song with him.

Orgy manages to produce a winner here in the form of "Candyass," an album that effortlessly bridges the boundary of all that was cool about the '80s with all that is right with the '90s.

With a solid album that complements its terrific "glammed" looks and a slot on the high profile Family Values tour, it should be no problem for Orgy to earn "success for the dressed."

09-22-98