Front man Al Joshua and his bass-playing musical partner Raven, embarked on their project around two years ago. The aim was to produce a unique soundscape that circumvents the conventional components of writing mainstream ‘pop’ songs, and place the emphasis on storytelling by drawing on inspiration from both classical music and past experiences of living a bohemian lifestyle in a small Parisian rooftop flat. The recruitment of three attractive young women who play an eclectic assortment of instruments including violin, glockenspiel, harmonium, viola and saw (yes!) has certainly added to the overall individuality of this band and while both tracks may require a few listens before full appreciation dawns, credit should always be given to those who dare to be different.‘Terra Firma’ is an interesting mix of prominent bass lines and deep viola, overlaid with Al’s calm, hushed and sometime husky vocals. The lyrics are almost ‘narrated’ and are delivered in such a personal manner; it is easy to imagine Al himself sitting opposite the listener in a smoky bar (obviously no longer in UK!) and spilling out his thoughts. At over eight minutes long the song passes through various phases with little pauses here and there which add emphasis to the general atmosphere. As it builds toward the climax the pace quickens slightly and the spirit of very early James (the band) is awakened.
‘Christopher’ certainly reflects the influence of Al’s time in Paris! The harmonium and saw combination conjure images of looking out over cluttered Parisian rooftops with a jungle of TV aerials breaking through the early morning smog towards the grey skies warmed by a watery sun valiantly fighting through the cloud base. The final couple of minutes feature an excellent bluesy harmonica solo, which is worthy of special mention.
This is a slow number that I played for the first time while driving on a wet, windy and miserable morning. God, did it make me feel depressed! However, next time, the sun was shining and the sky was blue. I listened to the track in a completely different state of mind, and you know what….. this time it felt strangely uplifting! Weird!
Certainly not for mass consumption, this is an interesting recording certainly worth checking out if your taste is for slower, singer/songwriter alternative music.
The debut offering from London’s Orphans & Vandals comes in the form of a self- produced 10” vinyl record which may be bought directly from the band via their My Space page – www.myspace.com/orphansandvandals