Orgy's Candyass (1998)

Orgy is:

Jay Gordon [Vocals]

Ryan Shuck [Rhythm Guitar,Backing Vocals]

Amir Derakh [Lead Synth-Guitar]

Bobby Hewitt [Drums]

Paige Hailey [Bass]

Orgy's history, how it came to be, is unchronicled on the Internet.I wish I could have been an Orgy fan then,I would have known some things, but unfortunately I wasn't.All I have is their music, which I must admit is pretty fresh. Pictorially, if you can imagine it, Candyass is like a fresh black rose, surviving in a volcanic area, filled with craters spewing fire.

Yes, this is Death Pop, as they call it.Later on it leaned on to become Industrial Rock.But Candyass was definitely something the world hadn't seen before.Not that it was revolutionary or anything, but yeah, novelty does arouse curiosity.

Wasting no more time, let's get started with this baby from Orgy.

CANDYASS (1998) ---------------------   *******ooo          [ 7/10 ]

Starting off with Social Enemies.I must say that it is a very unusual choice for the album opener.True, it does correspond most to the Death Pop genre,but still, it doesn't quite set the tone for the rest of the record. Taken individually, the lyrics are top-notch and the song connects with you.I believe this song talks about anti-social elements, terrorists and similar things.

The next track is more of what Orgy went on to become.Stitches is a peppy number, where Amir Derakh's synth-guitar was unleashed for the first time.Ryan is pretty good too.Bass is loud and clear.

Dissention hits hard.Ryan makes his guitar-print quite hard.Amir makes it scream.This one speaks about two-faced friends.I think each one of you can relate to this.

Platinum is another stalwart from Orgy on this album.Never-heard-before guitar riffs contribute to the curiosity factor.This one needs time to sink in and garner appreciation.

Fetisha starts off with something totally new.Worth a listen.

Fiend has an interesting chorus.All the lyrics in the previous songs and this one are pretty vague.Can't make out what the writer was thinking about.

Aaah....Blue Monday.A cover, but a darn good cover.This is the shining star in this album.The one track that makes you look up and remember the name 'Orgy'.The riff by Amir Derakh is legendary,something you are probably not going to forget for a very very long time.This marvellous intro leads to Ryan strutting his stuff with Amir.The lyrics are pretty dark, and intimidating.

Gender talks about what one is and what one wants to be.Kind of reminds me of multiple personality where you compensate what you aren't with what you want to be.The music is pretty uninspiring.Is consistent with the theme of the album though.

All The Same hits back with what Orgy really is.A really complex song with a very realistic meaning.This one talks of expectations due to competition.

The album continues with Pantomime.Another weird intro, but hey, that's what Orgy is all about.Amir's screeching guitar and high-Bass notes from Paige come out from in between just about anywhere.This one talks about a good girl gone wrong.

Revival ranks right up there with Blue Monday.What makes this song special is guest vocals from KoRn's Jonathan Davis.He blends in wonderfully with Orgy's sound, and this one became a crowd favourite at concerts.The drums on this one by Bobby Hewitt are absolutely worth applause.

The last track, the finale of this album, lets you down totally.Dizzy is the most worthless song I've heard till now.Don't even bother giving it a chance.

I give it a fair 7/10.Their sophomore album "Vapor Transmission" was absolutely path-breaking.We have to admit there's a learning curve here, and Orgy have done well in hindsight.Hence the 7-pointer.

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NEWS:

1.Finally we get to hear "Shotgun", Limp Bizkit's first single from Gold Cobra.It has led to mass relief among fans as this is the kind of stuff LB are good at-Nu-Metal,Trash Metal. The solo from the eccentric genius guitarist Wes Borland is worth an honourable mention.It is nothing like he has ever done before.

2.Iridescent from Linkin Park's A Thousand Suns (2010) has been released as a single.It's video will be out soon.It is slated to be included in Transformers 3:The Dark Of The Moon.The photo shoot released before the video looks pretty dark and apocalyptic.

Meanwhile,The Catalyst is still holding strong in the Top-20,coming back to #15 from #17 last week, after it debuted at #1 way back in September.

3.Julien-K have revealed the name of their new album.It's a bit of a let-down and unimaginative,according to me, but well here goes- it's called "We're Here With You".They are holding a free pre-release listening for all Systeme De Street [their street team] members in Cologne on 10th June.Sadly, I can't make it there.

Systeme De Street [SDS] logo

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Next Week:

KoRn's self-titled debut, KoRn