Electric Mind - Overdrive Orchestra (Album Review)
Overdrive Orchestra has had a very productive year as one of West Michigan’s premiere rock outfits. They recently became finalists in 5th Annual Revue Magazine “Best of the West Reader’s Poll” for the “Original Band” category. Their singer, Chris Cranick, was also a finalist for the “Solo Artist” category. They shot, recorded, and produced their first live album at Founders Taproom, where I first met their bassist Adam Bogues (we work together on the entertainment team). Plus, their latest studio album, Electric Mind, was expertly tracked and produced at White Elephant Studios, cataloging eleven new songs that delve into a variety of areas of rock's sonic history. However, it’s clear that there is a direct, connecting thread between all of the songs and sounds on the record. The band describes the album as “an orchestration of sound, soul, and energy. Overdrive Orchestra's 'Electric Mind' hearkens back to the concept albums of old. With lush musical imagery and soundscapes, the record breathes with each track creating a memorable cerebral journey.” (Bandcamp page)
I can say firsthand that everything on the album compliments each other well, with some great moments that keep you coming back as a listener. Right away, the “Prologue” feeds into the first released single, “HCBM,” where a meaty, bluesy riff drives under some great vocals, ending in an unexpected-yet-welcome breakdown. “Parallel” shifts gears with a focus on a filtered bass groove layered with saturated synths and vocal harmonies. “Specter,” the second released single from the record, is a catchy number filled with spooky sounding synths and guitar effects centered around a haunting, jangly guitar riff. “The Roam” pairs up synths with bass for a thick low end, punctuated by one of many great, sonically distinct guitar solos on the album. “Glass Kingdom (...And the Stolen Crown)” is a great palate cleanser, letting you cool down before the following tracks ramp up the energy again. “(R)evolution” picks things back up, with some cool effects on the vocals that almost transform it into a lead guitar sound. “Foreplay” teases up “Release,” a tune that is a standout favorite for me on the list with it’s pocket backbeat, interesting use of harmonica with effects (performed by Verve Pipe’s Craig Griffith), and a general vibe of sitting in the groove while washing things in cosmic space textures. Electric Mind concludes with “Harvest,” a tune that sprinkles in a little of everything you’ve heard sonically on the record, and “Epilogue,” a recapping of the riffs found throughout the experience.
All around, this is a great example of a modern rock record that draws from the classics without mimicry, layers the sounds without sacrificing the song, and isn’t afraid to develop around a concept in an era of artists championing a collection of singles rather than the full album experience. The production is solid, beefing up tones where they need to be without overwhelming your ears and making space for every little layer that colors a track. Plus, every song has a unique guitar tone for the solo section that just adds to the character of the tracking and mixing process, a process the band is currently detailing in their Inside the Mind series. The writing is fun and translates so well to the stage, making me as a listener eager to catch their next live experience. Overdrive Orchestra knows how to rock, and it’s clear that these guys are going the distance with this latest record!
Album Credits:
Chris Cranick: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Vocals, E-Bow, Piano
Adam Bogues: Bass, Electric Guitar
Shaun Sova: Electric Guitar
James Blevins: Electric Piano, Synthesizer
Cameron Hill: Drums, Percussion
Additional musicians:
Jeremiah Pilbeam: Percussion, Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alicia Adams: Backing Vocals
Jacob Dodson: Drums on ‘Parallel’
Craig Griffith: Harmonica on ‘Release’
All songs written by Overdrive Orchestra
(Phunky Phetus Music - ASCAP)
Except ‘The Roam’ written by Overdrive Orchestra and Alicia Adams
Produced by Jeremiah Pilbeam
Recorded and engineered by Jeremiah Pilbeam
Additional recording by Weston Wellman
Overdubs recorded at White Elephant Records in Big Rapids, MI
Additional overdubs recorded at Studio D in Nashville, TN
Mixed and Mastered by Jeremiah Pilbeam at White Elephant Records
Artwork by Jackie Radford, Chris Cranick and Sydney Bryngelson
Album design by Chris Cranick
Released on White Elephant Records
Website: https://overdriveorchestra.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveOrchestra
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overdriveorchestra/
Bandcamp: https://overdriveorchestra.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhwJ69SxfgQveO39I8DiJQ
Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/overdrive-orchestra
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/overdrive-orchestra/id381644994
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xeTmcjGWU60MaU7nly3ID
