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"O.R.K.'s fifth album demonstrates the band's desire to move away from their original progressive sound towards a more metal one. While the whole remains pleasant, a sensation of already-heard hovers."
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3/5
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O.R.K. had spoiled us with the sound of their tortuous but delightful progressive rock. On their fourth album, this band went off on a tangent, freeing themselves from progressive in favor of melodious but muscular alternative rock, while retaining their richness of sound and inventiveness.
“Firehose Of Falsehoods” sees the quartet continue their adventures around the world. As a reminder, alongside two Italians, Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari - Lef to his friends - and Carmelone Pipitone, respectively singer and guitarist and ex-Beserk, we find two old acquaintances: American drummer Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson) and Australian bassist Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree). This classy Transatlantic/Transoceanic plunges us straight into the bubbling cauldron, with the four men (backed up on one track by guitarist John Wesley, who tours with Porcupine Tree) getting on wonderfully well to create volcanic atmospheres: the sequence of the first two tracks is remarkable. Team spirit prevails, with each member showing ingenuity without masking the talent of his comrades. Technique and melodiousness are the two words that best describe this band's aesthetic. 'Mask Becomes The Face' but especially 'PUTFP' stand out for their deceptively soothing approach, which creates a pleasing dramatic climax (the former with a rather unexpected guitar solo).
For the first time, however, there's a slight dip, as if the band were resting on its laurels. '16000 Days' lacks subtlety, taking pains to slow the pace only to take off again (into the wall). Lef's powerful, energetic vocals can be overpowering, sometimes lacking naturalness when he bursts into song ('Seven Arms'). Finally, some tracks seem disoriented, stretching ad nauseam for lack of precise navigation ('Beyond Reach'). Despite these pitfalls, the band rediscovers its flamboyant spirit of yesteryear on the final track, 'Dive In', which clocks in at over 14 minutes and takes us on a journey through jazzy, rock, progressive and electric moods.
O.R.K.'s fifth album proves to be a pleasant enough listen, and the band could have been even more audacious than before. Perhaps over time, we've simply digested the band's style, which sometimes proves a little too predictable. However, fans can be sure to flock to this new opus, especially to listen to the final track.
- Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Blast Of Silence
02. Hello Mother
03. The Other Side
04. - 16000 Days
 05. Putfp
06. Seven Arms
07. Beyond Reach
08. Mask Becomes The Face
09. Dive In
LINEUP:
Carmelo Pipitone: Guitares / Choeurs
Colin Edwin: Basse
Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari: Chant / Claviers
Pat Mastelotto: Batterie / Percussions
John Wesley: Guitares / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
3/5 (1 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH O.R.K.
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