Illinois rock ‘n’ rollers The Orwells bounce back from a three-year hiatus with “Terrible Human Beings,” the band’s third full length album.
The Orwells formed as a group of high school freshmen in 2009. Since then, they’ve released three records and two EPs tinged with fun-loving, high-octane contemporary rock.
“Terrible Human Beings” shows critics The Orwells can play rock ‘n’ roll of nearly any order. Influences of classic rock, ‘80s metal and punk can all be heard within the LP’s 38 minutes. Like 2014’s “Disgraceland,” “Terrible Human Beings” was produced by Jim Abbiss, known for his collaborations with the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club and The Arctic Monkeys.
The Orwells’ punk roots are undeniable in their earlier work. The same holds true with the new record, although the music is better described as energized indie rock. Lyrically, The Orwells are as careless and cynical as ever. “Pull the sheet over my head/ Spend the next four years in bed,” sings frontman Mario Cuomo on the sixth track, “M.A.D.”
The first single, “They Put a Body in the Bayou,” offers a nicely paced ode southern rock. More sluggish, grimy rock vibes can be found on “Creatures” and “Hippie Soldier.”
“Terrible Human Beings” also gives us more invigorating tracks like “Fry” and “Heavy Head,” one of my favorites on the album. Afterward, the group seamlessly transitions into the next track, “Body Reprise,” a mystifying experiment that immediately reminded me of Led Zeppelin’s breakdown on “Whole Lotta Love.” In fact, it’s hard to believe Cuomo’s sparing vocal isn’t a nod to Robert Plant.
Another favorite, “Double Feature,” is twice as long as every other song on the record. Near the three-minute mark, the band strips the number down to its bass line and beat with gratifying simplicity. “Double Feature” showcases the band’s musicianship and range and brings the record to a satisfying close.
As a whole, “Terrible Human Beings” takes the musical style of rock ’n’ roll’s golden age and combines it with the nihilistic, reckless attitude that Orwells fans have to come to know and love.
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Like The Orwells? Then check out More Than Noise, KLSU’s punk show, on Wednesday nights, 11PM-1AM.