I received a package in the mail, and it was Happy Orange Balloon's CD! Years ago, I was in love with the sounds of HOB, and after interviewing him, I didn't hear much from him after that. His one-of-a-kind sound was exactly what I’ve been craving lately, and I’m so glad that his album is out.
I really forgot how much I enjoyed HOB, and this record was a pleasant reminder. The opening track, "Pretty Mary", is my favourite, and not just because it has my name in it. It has a unique quality that produces an array of sounds that all mesh together to create a beautiful static that's fun to listen to. There are so many different components that it is very entertaining and each time you hear it, you catch another part of the song you didn’t notice before, and that’s something that is lost in a lot of music today. It’s not straightforward, which makes you want to listen to it again.
Between the tracks with vocals in them lie electronic ditties that are so cool and funky. The beats are thumping, the little sounds thrown in either fit or don't at all, and that's what makes them so interesting. I can't think of any other musicians who've done this. It's like going to see a musical, and the songs with lyrics are the dialogue, and everything else is one of the musical numbers. They really show off HOB's diversity- the record feels so wholesome with these inbetween hidden songs.
I love "Beautiful". It's soft but still has a thriving beat. It feels gentle and hesitant vocally, but everything else balances it out. It almost has a Oberst quality to it vocally because of the whispering and laid-back quality. It really stands out and is a perfect addition to some of the more fast-paced tunes.
Happy Orange Balloon is an artist unlike any other. His debut album is absolutely stunning and will most certainly be on repeat for the next few months. It’s captivating and entrancing. What a fabulous find!
Track List
"Pretty Mary"
"Deliverance"
"For The Sake Of Your Love"
"Random Thoughts On Yesterday's Floor"
"Antidote"
"Beautiful" (guest vox. Michael Kenzik)
"Death To The Enemies"
"Calling Your Name"
"Small Room"
"Quattrobianchi"
http://happyorangeballoon.bandcamp.com/album/happyorangeballoon