With no press release given, and my prior knowledge of the band being minimal, it was with great trepidation I listened to Mock Orange for the first time. The lack of a press release can always be something to set alarm bells ringing, but thankfully The Record Play is actually a pretty decent album, albeit with some cracks around the edges. It is dancy, pacy and produced excellently by the ever-reliable Mark Trombino, but it doesn’t quite cut the mustard as a record as a whole.
Trying to pinpoint why is easier said than done. The ten tracks are all of a good standard, yet after a few repeat listens the novelty (I use the term loosely) wears off and you are left with something which can only please in small doses. It starts well enough with the energetic ‘Brake Lights On’, while the loud and brash ‘She Runs the Ride’ makes anyone who isn’t taking notice sit up with senses alert. But the album never seems to flow correctly with the constant jagged sound not functioning as it should on such an album.
But while the first 3-4 tracks are a good advert for the band, little is developed as the album progresses. The constant changing of melody and sound is something many are fans of, but doing it for the sake of it just doesn’t cut it here and there are many instances where it actually detracts from the song. But for every track which fails to inspire (3 o’clock) there is one to follow up (In even time) to reaffirm faith that not all is lost within the realm of Mock Orange.
As was previously mentioned, the structures work well on certain tracks, but fall flat on others, but nothing can be faulted in terms of energy and effort given across the span of the album. Coupled with the decent artwork and tidy vocals, The Record Play is a capable album making the most hardened feet, nimble up and dance. If all the ingredients were correctly manifested it could have been a great album, unfortunately with a few key elements not quite cutting the mark it falls into the realms of being simply above average.
Jay
www.mockorange.net
Lobster Records