I first heard hardcore DC outfit Orlando Furiouso about 2 years ago at the Savage Mountain punk picnic. Their raw, in your face sound really stood out that day, and despite friends of mine battling for a spot on the same bill later on that year, I left the show really hoping to see them close to home sometime soon…
It may not have worked out the way that I had hoped that weekend, but OF’s release, Voices on Allegedly Records, not only delivers the passion I heard that first time, but also those classic hardcore anthems about unity, love, and self discovery.
Track one kicks off with a war cry and blazing guitar work that feels like a punch in the face as it blasts in. From the start, “Good For Health, Bad For Education” makes it clear that this EP isn’t for the weak of heart. Our lyrical journey begins with the battle between real information and how we seek it out, asking us to really question actions that follow words. Between the barrage of calls to action, you start to hear the melting pot of hardcore. Classic driving riffs followed by stifling breakdowns firmly declaring it’s “time to take back control”. This track may not be the hero who we all wanted, but it IS the war cry that we all deserve.
“Eyes of Life” delivers a strong message of family and inspiration that reminds me of Hatebreed-especially the first minute or so. Make no mistake, this is a promise from Father to Daughter, and the lyrical passion is only rivaled by the chaotic beauty that I’ve come to know from Orlando Furioso.
I could go on and on about how this is a hardcore blueprint for bands coming up, but instead, I’ll just tell you to listen to track 3, “The Day The Earth Stood Still”, and take notes! Starting with gated guitars and an up tempo beat that makes you wanna start slamming into walls, this track really ups the ante for fellow hardcore enthusiasts.
In addition, this call to war doesn’t stand for the social norms and asks us all to REALLY take a long, hard look at not only the political landscape of America, but the world as a whole. Screaming “And every single people, UNITED, denounced their leaders.” Orlando Furioso breathes life into a world of chaos and paints a very realistic and hopeful picture of the working class in today’s society.
Track 4 may be my personal favorite. I’m a sucker for fast, stop and start again tunes that barrel through with a positive message, and “Pride” delivers exactly that! If you can make it through the whole song without screaming “Be who you are, show us your pride…BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, DON’T BE DENIED!”…you’re a worse human being than me. This song really reminds the listener to look inside and be proud of who they are, and really, isn’t that the type of message most of us need to hear right now???
The next track, “Manifest”, reminds me of some early 2000s hardcore akin to early AFI, Comeback Kid, or the driving grooves of Evergreen Terrace and a perfect combination of brutality and speed. Check out the blistering guitar solo around 2:08 if you’ve missed your morning cup of joe and need to thrash around a bit.
The EP rounds out with the title track which brings the entire release together. In a time when fake news runs rampant, minorities are villainized and shamed, and the US is deeply divided…”Voices” calls for the outcasts and the disparaged to rise vigilantly above the hate and fear mongering in today’s society.
The song kicks in with thunderous bass and a rolling wall of drums that would make even Bob Mahoney proud. The guitar work on this entire album really drives home the poignant vocals and says what many in the underground believe. Couple that with the fact that these boys are from the heart of our nations capital, and you have one of the realest and most needed albums in recent memory.
Jim has been a part of several music scenes over the years. Currently, he plays guitar/books for Morgantown’s Controlled Chaos, in addition to laying down the low end for Bunker Hill Celt punks, Common Run. When not playing/attending shows, you can usually find him at a local car cruise in or taking a road trip to see friends or family.