Album Review: Orson - Bright Idea (4 / 5)

Orson is the biggest new band of the year coming out of Hollywood, but don’t surprised if nobody in Hollywood has heard of them. Like the Scissor Sisters and the Killers 2 years ago, Orson is taking their show to Britain first—solidifying their UK fan base before trying (presumably again) to make it big at home. The buzz abroad has been intense for this band, who’s first single, “No Tomorrow,” was a #1 hit earlier this year. Bright Idea delivers what you’d expect—a 10-song collection of the kind of retro/funk/pop/rock reminiscent of Maroon 5 or the Killers. I’d place them somewhere in-between those bands too, in terms of quality. Bright Idea starts out strong, but backs down for its second half. It’s never bad, but nothing really interesting happens after track 5.

The album begins with its three strongest tracks. “Bright Idea” opens with drums and guitar, like the band swaggering onstage, and plods along enjoyably. “No Tomorrow,” their first single, is instantly likeable. “Happiness” initially sounds like it’s going to be a retro ‘70s exercise, with a Marvin Gaye-like choral background—but mostly dispenses with that in favor of straight-up guitar rock. “Already Over,” also a great cut, oozes soulful appeal with powerful choruses. “Tryin’ to Help” is good too; melody-driven and slightly retro.

The second half of the album lacks the excitement of the first, but never delivers a bad tune—just nothing that’s really exciting. “So Ahead of Me” also owes a great debt to the ‘70s, and sounds like it could have been borrowed from a disco diva and given a rock makeover. “Last Night’s” slight scratchy guitar underlying the central melody is reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,”—fabulously redone by the Scissor Sisters 3 years ago—but lacks the latter’s gift for presentation.

“Look Around” is the obligatory piano-driven ballad, which predictably adds guitars for verse 2, gets quiet and let’s loose for the bridge. Yes, we’ve heard it before, and it’s not unwelcome, but just kind of boring. “Save the World” provides a good jolt of retro rush before the closer, “OK Song,” which, as the title implies, is just “OK.” Bright Idea is a solid debut, and if my crystal ball is correct, expect “No Tomorrow” to be a big hit in the US next year.