Orchid - Orchid | Screamo HAll of FAme Class of 1998 Nominee

Release Information:

1998
Hand Held Apart Records
Amherst, MA (New England)
Runtime: 10:01
Tracks: 5

Band Members:

Jayson Green (Vocals)
Will Killingsworth (Guitar)
Brad Wallace (Bass)
Jeff Salane (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Metallic, Chaotic

Musical Analysis:

It’s Orchid! Suffocating guitar, powerful screamed vocals and dynamic switches from brutal, mid-tempo Screamo to all-out Emoviolence are all present and accounted for on this EP. The guitar tone is heavy and occasionally breaks out into some metallic chugging. The beginnings of their signature chaotic style were starting to form, but with slower builds, metallic elements and slightly less violence than you’d expect.

Historical Analysis:

One year removed from a somewhat mediocre debut demo, Orchid honed in on the sounds they’d soon become infamous for. Diehard fans of the band love this EP, and Stagnant, in particular, seems to be a bona fide Orchid classic. However, the band was moments away from being the most celebrated artists in the entire genre, and this release would be left in the dust (and out of the Hall).

Lyrical Analysis:

Confrontational wouldn’t begin to describe Orchid’s lyrical style, represented here by songs about failing relationships, the lie of capitalism and the insincerity of the Punk scene in the late 90s. In particular, Jayson’s grave disdain with the scene politics would lead to many, many manifestos of frustration, with two on this five-song EP! This biting critique is accompanied by social issues - such as scripted rebellion - and personal issues.