New Music: The Mission Orange EP
By Justine-Marie
When I first saw the Mission Orange, the guitarist was sprawled out on the stage floor, playing the guitar -passionately- on his back. This was not we’re-a-shy-young-band-with-just-an-ep-out-playing-in-a-park type garbage, they were blasting their music like hell, as if they were jamming in a garage or at band practice with nobody watching. I followed up by tracking down their streaming recordings on MySpace and playing “Live Long and Prosper” on repeat for about an hour. I was hooked on my new favorite local band.
The Mission Orange’s 16-minute, 5 track EP is a a maelstrom of fast-paced, classic-influenced rock consisting of only a guitar, vox, and drums. They show strong influence from The Black Keys, but their sound is heavier, faster, and much more modern.
I love the “The Answer”, which is just a simple track with more energy than a Costco case of Red Bull; it deserves a room full of listeners dancing, thrashing, and singing. “Live Long and Prosper” always gives me a little shot of adrenaline every time I hear the intro, but has real lyrics (referencing Star Trek!), and is just a great, memorable single without falling into the boring pattern of pop-singles for even a second. The Mission Orange have their moments of slower tunes (”Top Heavy”), but really they shine most in the faster tracks “The Answer” and “Live Long and Prosper.”
Rumor has it they’re starting to work on their first full-length, and I can’t wait. Call in to the End’s Young and the Restless to request The Mission Orange - or better yet, see the Mission Orange at the Skylark Cafe on Sept 15.