Oranges Band

While they've been around for the entire decade, the Oranges Band have spent the past ten years making enough music to keep people interested then doing other things to keep those same people frustrated. Some of that is due to circumstances beyond their control, such as their label going under, but their decision to tour almost non-stop hasn't helped, plus the fact that songwriter Roman Kuebler has spent his time as part of Spoon and some other bands. Still, The Oranges Band Are Invisible finds them in better shape than ever thanks to the addition of GBV's Doug Gillard on guitar. That said, this is a nostalgic record that looks back fondly on the Baltimore music scene that Kuebler grew up in. Songs are full of references that most people won't pick up on but turn out to be just as interesting as any lyrical cliché that could potentially take their place. The band aren't covering any new ground; it's the same old straight-forward melodic indie rock they've been making for some time. But the addition of Gillard has helped to revitalise them and The Oranges Band Are Invisible is a better record as a result. Now, if they could be convinced to get back into the studio on a more regular basis.