It’s only been a year and a half since Orson released their debut record, and already they’re back, armed with yet another collection of cheesy and downright annoying “rock” numbers. Don’t get me wrong, when placed in the right hands, radio friendly pop-rock, or whatever the hell Orson play around with, can be a tolerable, and at times, vastly enjoyable genre. But, did the success of Bright Idea and its accompanying single releases not surprise anyone else?
These guys are self confessed “crazy kids from California,” who found a niche market in the UK, and on the peculiarly titled Culture Vultures, vocalist Jason Pebworth churns out another ream of predictable and utterly ridiculous lyrics. “Am I too young? Am I too old? Is there something wrong with the radio? I just wanna rock! I just wanna roll!” Terrifyingly squeaky guitars bookend the laughable ‘Ain’t No Party’ as the Orson boys insist that no one throws a shindig quite as good as them, while the good looks of a certain individual on ‘Gorgeous’ are just too much for Pebworth to handle.
Both tracks further annoy as they possess irritating yet effective hooks that will unfortunately remain in your head for hours. Bassist John Scott Bentejen has said that if you liked the last record, this one will “twist your noodle.” So, if it’s “noodle twisting” you’re after and you don’t care for good music, then be our guest; it’s not like you haven’t been warned.