Oranger - Doorway To Norway

  by Geraint Jones

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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Review

Formed in 1998 from the remnants of San Francisco bands 'Overwhelming Colorfast' and 'American Sensei' this pop infused power trio's debut album, whilst not a classic, certainly has sufficient moments to warrant attention. Boldly melding influences like the harmonies of 'The Beach Boys', the English pop psychedelia of 'The Zombies', Keith Moon's full-on percussive assault and the more contemporary grunge stylings of 'Nirvana', 'Oranger' have concocted a stimulating combination of styles. The band's debut album Doorway to Norway opens with a couple of classic pop rock tunes, the cleverly titled 'Mike Love Not War' and 'Eggtooth'. Both tracks display excellent dynamic strengths and more hooks than a fishing tackle shop. It could be years before these tunes leave your head so be warned! If there were any justice in the world it would be tracks like these that regularly graced Top of the Pops and the Top 40. In an alternate world things could have been so much different. One year after producing Nirvana's Nevermind album which went on to sell literally millions, Butch Vig performed the same task on the excellent self titled debut by Overwhelming Colorfast which didn't. Perhaps with Doorway to Norway, Oranger are laying down the foundations of another attempt on the rock crown and with a little more time and consistency next time they may yet achieve their fifteen minutes of pop stardom. The album is released on Amazing Grease records, which is co-owned by Pavement's guitarist Scott Kannberg. Perhaps Pavement's apparent resignation from the world of alternative pop leaves the doorway of success open for Oranger. Footnote. Stay with the album beyond it's apparent short length (admittedly there are only 8 credited tracks) as there is a bonus 10 minute hidden track which is a cover of The Flaming Lips' Slow Nerve Action.

Track Listing:-

1 Mike Love, Not War
2 Eggtooth
3 Everything Goes Away
4 Wolfy
5 Donald, You're Freaking Out
6 Jettsett Traveler
7 Telepathic Waves
8 This Snake Will Kill You