In 2008, lots of things happened, besides England’s absence from the Euro’s. The sales of organic foods increased tenfold whilst the music industry became saturated, & shot in the opposite direction from the organic, choosing to worship artists like the Crystal Castles & the Friendly Fires.  I have almost zero problems with the way music elects its kings, if only ‘rough & ready’ indie bands like Orphan Boys get their just deserved attention.  Sadly the scene didn’t, and the very thing needed to break up the electro/80’s pop stranglehold on music culture was garbled by 16 bit computer processed beats.   Come 2010, Orphan Boys are back, just as music is on the credibility-up. This is a very praiseworthy second-stab record entitled ‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’ just waiting to be embraced.

In comparison to the first record, ‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’ takes a rather shaven approach, and is now right on the money.  All of which I say in a good way.  First track and early indicator ‘Letter for Annie’ with its church organ keys, is executed wonderfully. It is an inspired track.; classy and mature; altogether: superb.  Second track ‘Popsong’ is soon to become the 1st single to be taken from the record, and is exactly as its namesake suggests.  It has a fairground melody running through it, and is sure to pull you in with its hooks.  Another standout track is ‘Anderson Shelter Blues’ that turns out to be far more than an  indie bands attempt to mix it up and show versatility.  It is instead a worthy example of where Orphan Boy is at their experimental best whilst still complying to the competent themes of the album. The rest of the album generally follows their mission statement, which is to make a record for those wanting an album to play at home, alone, whilst staring out the window late into the night.

I must state that this isn’t a sad toned album, and with passing thoughts, I conclude it is a very well thought-out record, packed full of composure, and studded with perfectly good album fillers that give good value for money.  Sure to be one of this 2010’s worthy alternatives, or side-by-side companions to bands like Sound Of Guns.  Either way, we must bless 2010 for being a year with a more varied and less processed musical sound.

Release Date : August 24, 2010

Label : Concrete Records

Website : www.myspace.com/orphanboy