Described
as a “cracking band” and praised for their “excellent production values” by
music blog Progrockmusictalk, UK-based alt-rockers Orca have proven to be on
top of their game. As pioneers and creators of the mysterious domain of ‘space
metal’, the five-piece is steadily stepping up to the music industry’s
spotlight.
Their
fascination with space and discovering the unknown has always been part of
their own musical exploration. By fusing melodic experimentation with hard
hitting metal riffs, their new single ‘Aquarium’ (taken from the album
‘Universe’) is a muscular track, effervescing with a forthright and speeding
energy. As a follow up to the similarly metal infused guitar styles and
contemplative vocals of their first single ‘Amber’, this tune is a sensational
marvel of progressive rock.
Listen
here:
The
song came about when singer Chris started exploring the emotions drawn from the
cryptic and riddle-like rhythmic arrangement of a demo recording. ‘Aquarium’ is
ultimately about desire, beauty, identity, sensuality, and connecting with the
power of nature. The video for the single was shot in a real aquarium which the
band describes as a “wonderful” and “entrancing” experience. The album is
called ‘Universe’ as it was written while the band were travelling separately
around the world, with each band member looking out to a different part of the
night sky for inspiration.
With
influences ranging from Deftones to Tool, the band has mastered the techniques
of DIY and created a magnificent set of songs with little to no help from other
producers. Their music touches upon the deeper questions in life. Orca
describes their sound as being about “submission to the awe and power of the
world, and the realization and self-actualization levels of awareness and
consciousness.” Part of their musical diversity stems from the fact that Orca
consists of a colourful mixture of different nationalities. Bassist Matt
McGuinness is Irish, guitarist David Vezzoli from Italy, other guitarist Ben
Murray-Smith from England but born in Brazil, drummer Kacper "Drum
Kid" Stachowiak from Poland and singer Chris Edwards is British Armenian.
Orca’s sound reflects this diversity and has been celebrated by radio stations
such as KSCR in Los Angeles and Aaron Phillip’s Amazing Radio Rock Show here in
the UK. Musically, they have also come from a variety of backgrounds ranging
from psychedelic rock and jazz to heavy metal and synth-pop.
The
band has evolved from bassist Matt and guitarist Dave’s previous project called
Martian Time Slip which focused more on a traditional darker kind of metal.
After the break up of Martian Time Slip the two collaborators embarked upon new
endeavours, forming Orca and searching for the perfect vocalist for the band. Chris
approached the band with a style that was both unique and enigmatic. They were
struck by his powerful voice and his ability to enrich the melodies with
passion much like the late Jeff Buckley. Ben joined shortly afterwards while
continuing to write songs for famous Vlogger Casey Neistat. The
newest addition to the group is drummer Kacper who has had success with his
symphonic power metal band Pathfinder.
The single ‘Aquarium’ is out on
4th March from the album Universe out April 1st.
LINKS:
Upcoming gig dates for 2016:
March 20th – Cellar Bar, Bracknell
April
1st - Rigger Stoke-on-Trent
Apil 8th - Barfly, London
April
18th - Surya King's Cross, London
