CD Review - Orion 321 Bottom of the Sky - 9 song LP

Orion 321
Bottom of the Sky - 9 song LP

Michael Segeren: voice
Barry Walls: bass guitar
Scott Sevven: keyboards & guitars
Andrew McIntyre: drums
Ross Mulligan: guitar

Websites: http://www.sentex.net/~bebop/orion321/
http://www.mp3.com/orion321
Shannon & Melanie’s Real Video
and MMC5 Friday article


"Bottom of the Sky" seems to concentrate on an outer space theme, much like Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" stage. Although Orion 321,from Stratford, Ontario, aren't as big as David Bowie yet, their music is bound to soar far and high, as long as they keep up their new, innovative sound.

Shannon: "Everything is Fine" opens with a static-retro sound and moves into the very unique, fast-paced vocals of Michael Segeren.
Melanie: “Everything is Fine” starts off with a static-y sound. Did you turn on the radio by accident? No, give it a few seconds and the guitar enters. This fast paced song asks what happened to a relationship and where it went wrong.

Shannon: "Scam" reveals the more space-age side of Orion 321, with its haunting vocals and dark electronic-effects. The song itself is very strong, like a whirlwind of smooth-flowing music of the future…not to mention the amusing bleeping and fun keyboard sounds.
Melanie: “Scam” reminds you of Orion 321’s spacey band title. The vocals match the agitation of the lyrics and the band backs up that spacey agitated feeling.

Shannon: "Give me love" is a catchy love song with a pop-ish chorus. "I don't think that I could live without your love," sums it up. The ending fades off with a trill, and is extremely captivating.
Melanie: “Give Me Some Love” shows the softer side of Orion 321 with the gentle lead vocals, keyboard, and those “la, la, la la love”s in the chorus. Who could resist them?

Shannon: The echoed whispers of "Almost Anything" once again gives a dreamy, techno vibe. Both Segeren's voice and the melody sound like no other.

Melanie: “Almost Anything” begins with echo effects to reflect recurring spacey sound. In this song Orion 321 is offering to take you away.

Shannon: The title track "Bottom of the Sky," would be the hit single of the CD. This hypnotic song leaves you singing along to the catchy chorus of, "And you will fly, like a fish, in the sky. Or a man, or a man on the moon. You will dive, to the bottom, of the sky, you will cry, you will wonder why." The outer space theme goes along s moothly with the majestic melody.
Melanie: Title track, “Bottom of the Sky,” has radio air time written all over it. This song will most definitely have you moving and, in time, learning the simple lyrics (which are provided in the CD book).

Shannon: "You" pours out more amazing vocals by Segeren. His Lenny Kravitz side is revealed during this song…this coming from a Caucasian Canadian. "I need you, I love you, I want you," is the classic line of this piece.
Melanie: “You” is about the longing for another. In this song, as in all the others, the sound of the band is wonderfully together.

Shannon: "Lucy Met the Rocketman" starts off slow with the sound of a heartbeat. The softer, more ethereal feeling to this song is comparable to "Do You (the one)." This song speaks the truth, with lyrics like "we think we're so invincible."
Melanie: “Lucy Met the Rocketman” is the second song in a row to mention the truth. “Truth can sometimes can even up the score, “ from “You” and from this one, “Sometimes it hurts to hear the truth.” These guys want honesty! This song’s beat has you toe-tapping at the least along with its spacey tune.

Shannon: "Fallen" is both fast-paced and eerie, with its unearthly, robotic sounds. This song shows the futuristic blare of the new millenium. Orion 321 definitely have a way with using sound effects at the perfect time.
Melanie: “Fallen” ‘s vocals have some semblance to “Scam.” The vocals and keyboard are matched with a good beat to back them up.

Shannon: "Do You (the one)" starts off fresh, like something you might hear in a nature store, but twists into aggressive, mysterious vocals that are unpredictable. Along with perfect harmony, the blaring guitars add a nice touch. The song trails off to the sound of what seems like a spaceship soaring off into space.
Melanie: “Do You (The One)” has a mysterious feel given from the drum kit’s and eerie guitar, and is continued by the keyboard. The lyrics tell of doubt in another’s being able to live up to your personal expectations. It reminds me a bit of “Lucy Met the Rocketman.”

Thank you very kindly to Orion 321, for giving each of us a copy of their CD!