release date: Jan. 19, 2024
format: cd (Deluxe Edition)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,70]
producer: Youth (aka Martin Glover)
label: Dgaff Recordings - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Dirt" - 2. "Pimp Wars" - 3. "Button Eyes" - 4. "Quincy" - 5. "In the Ground" - 6. "Loser" - 7. "Milk" - 8. "Panda" - 9. "Self Harm" - 10. "Sex on the Beach" - *12. "Part of Everything"
*Bonus track on Deluxe Edition
4th studio album by Black Grape following seven years after Pop Voodoo (Jul. 2017) is a return of Shaun Ryder in unison with Kermit (aka Paul Leveridge), and also Youth was producer on the predecessor. Seven years in between albums would normally be regarded as a no-go in the music business but Ryder has made it his modus operandi one that doesn't adjust to traditions or standard approaches. Besides, he's never been an artist who sticks to one horse only. In 2021 he released his second solo titled Visits From Future Technology (Aug. 2021), and then he has been busy touring and performing as either Happy Mondays or Black Grape.
Not surprisingly, Orange Head sounds much like we've come to know of Shaun Ryder from whatever disguise he has chosen. Sometimes it's positive party dance-oriented, at other times there's more darkness and even some The Prodigy-inspired techno-rave-stuff thrown in here and there. That said, Ryder certainly represents a most lively style that I somehow feel addicted to. His notorious, slight nasal, speak-singing is one of the most original vocals in modern pop music. He even jokes about this on "Button Eyes" when going "I find it funny that I can't sing!". All lyrics basically always take a starting point in actual lived life situations mixed with skewed perspectives on politics and culture in general where you both find easily understandable references and what appears as rather cryptic narratives. Just like the music, it's one huge pot of stuff. But it works so well and it's always delivered with a sneer, a wink, and / or both. The great thing is, that since Ryder bounced back - after serious financial troubles and from years with heavy substance abuse, he sparkles and shines like ever before. He's in his 60s, life has given him obvious ups and downs and part of that is family: four ex-wives, six children, and a new perspective on life, but he's here and on top of his game, and it's just such a treat to listen to Ryder, Kermit and Youth delivering their special blend of modern pop music with loans from this and that. Musicians always steal anyway but only few understand how to do that cleverly, and Shaun Ryder has a wicked talent at just that.
It's addictive and recommended.
