Latest tracks by Orange Marsupials

Truth be told, I rarely write about local bands.

I find it hard to be honest as a journalist and deal out objective criticism because some bands take it as me bashing their music.

So, for the sake of artists still trying to make a name in our city, I just avoid it all together.

I’m making an exception this time around.

A couple months ago, staff reporter Brian Figurski, asked me to check out this band that was performing at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac. I’ve heard of the Orange Marsupials before, but I’ve never really given them a dedicated listen.

I was delightfully surprised at what I heard and saw.

This band is different. Throughout their show, I kept repeating the same thing in my head.

“So. Much. Potential.”

From exceptional bass and guitar work of Nick Press and Justin “Saz” Salazar, to the vocals of Lisa Vitale, the Orange Marsupials had continuous flashes of brilliance.

Their technically sound drummer, Kevin Klopocinski deserves praise. He keeps up with the momentum set by the rest of the band with ease and creates the bedrock for the mood of each song.

From the first song, it is undeniable that Lisa is a gifted singer and her extensive range is obvious with songs like “Inescapable”. Think Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley with more of a soul background.

Midway through the set, the soulful toned Lisa, turned a corner and tore through a cover of the Dr. Dre and Eminem hit “Forgot About Dre,” but with a more funk styling. It was a nice change of pace and not what I expected.

More importantly, the chemistry of the members of the Orange Marsupials on stage makes their passion for music genuine in nature.

While the Orange Marsupials do have a solid foundation, they have obvious room to grow musically.

A common gripe with most bands is that they just fill sound. Some tracks have too much reverb, effects, etc, which are used to mask flaws or limitations in musicians in the band.

I’m a firm believer that simple is better when it comes to composition and arrangement in production and tracks. It’s much more difficult to be clever with minimal sound but it is worth the time and energy.

Not saying that the Orange Marsupials are guilty of that, but I think a minimalistic approach, would be advantageous because it would highlight the true skill of musicians in band.

The Orange Marsupials have great ability in the right places. They have an established sound, now it’s time to refine and grow, which I believe they will.

In time, forward progress of this blossoming band is inevitable — they have too much potential to not take a step back.

– The “MusicGuy” Kevin Romanchik is the Scene section editor at the Oakland Post.

– You can follow him on twitter, @kevin_ro