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Released on March 4, 2016 via Independent
The pride of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Orchid’s Curse, is finally back with a new offering of proggy, groovy, thrashy, melodeath. The Cynics & Liars EP was released on March 4, 2016. Orchid’s Curse first introduced themselves to me through their debut album Words back in 2013. Since then, the band has been honing their craft, touring with Every Time I Die, Counterparts, Black Crown Initiate, 3 Inches of Blood, Goatwhore, Death Valley Driver, Dischord, and Hero’s Last Rite. Orchid’s Curse actually started writing and recording this EP back in 2014. However, as things happen in bands, life, guitarist/vocalist Brian Jones’ wrist surgery, and changes in personnel have delayed it until now. Orchid’s Curse has a new rhythm section since Words, which now consists of Jason Szeto on bass guitar and Alex Wrathell on drums. They do not play on this EP, so you will have to catch them live with the band this summer.
Cynics & Liars was recorded at CodaPop Studios in Halifax and was produced by the band’s own Brian Jones. Rob Nickerson then mixed the album before sending it to Jamie King at Basement Studios in North Carolina for mastering. First impressions of the opening track ‘If History Has Taught Us Nothing’ are that this process was very beneficial as the overall sound quality is a step up from Words. After a low synth lead in, toms and kick drums start a galloping rhythm, picking up where Orchid’s Curse left off three years ago.
‘We Are All Cynics and Liars’ continues the assault, this time with a little more hardcore influence. Vocalist Josh Hogan’s voice is just as brutal as Keith MacLeod’s riffs. ‘Judging An Empty Shell’ brings down the tempo a bit, but not the aggression. Double kick drums drive the tune with a heavy bass line that even has a buzzing solo break towards the middle. ‘Without Hope of Redemption’ closes this quasi-reintroduction to Orchid’s Curse out. Kicking back in with more crushing riffs, this tune is made for the pit.
Cynics & Liars is a great appetizer that leaves you hungry for more. The band was riding high after Words, and it was odd not to see them take advantage of the momentum. Now we know why, and I am glad to know that they are still pushing on. I am sure I was not the only one waiting to hear from them again. I hope that Cynics & Liars bridges the gap for Orchid’s Curse between Words and their next album full of tunes made for moshing.
