Colossal Orange - Intergalactic Love Magnet

​Colossal Orange

​Intergalactic Love Magnet
self-released; 2016

3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
​

Colossal Orange is a group that was developed and produced by L.A. producer Joel Henry Stein, an award-winning singer-songwriter and composer. The other members prefer to remain anonymous. Who knows why but with music this fun you will be dancing and ignoring any questions that come into your head. 

The music on their debut Intergalactic Love Magnet was inspired by ‘80s bands like Talking Heads, Prince, Joy Division, Duran Duran, The Pixies and the Beastie Boys. Once you take a listen all of that starts to make sense. One thing I have to mention is that although the album is eclectic the songs you can imagine someone dancing to are the ones that stuck out. This is partially because a lot of contemporary EDM in my opinion is nothing more than a heavy beat and repeated synth parts. The dance songs on this album fill your body with an undeniable energy that makes you want to get out of your chair.

Some of you may not remember when The Talking Heads were one of the biggest bands on the planet. People went crazy at their concerts and most of them were dancing their hearts out. I couldn't but help think of The Talking Heads when listening to the first track “Forbut Adjo.” It has a very similar vibe. “Forbut Adjo” is such a fun song from beginning to end. I just loved every aspect of it. Good vibes all around. 

The band switches the feel on the next song “I Know U Want It” which is somewhere between New Order and Primal Scream. It has a distinctly different vibe and in fact that's my only minor gripe. Almost every song seems to explore a different sub-genre or approach and relies less on creating a cohesive sound for the band. 

“Master Key Country” certainly has a feel all its own. It moves at a slower, melancholy pace yet has some psychedelic, new wave elements. The lyrics certainly seemed psychedelic. The vocalist sings, “There were thinkers and thieves / Black girls with weaves / And businessmen deep in the jungle / And portraits of queens / Hung from cracked TV screen.”

Can you hear the influence from Prince on “Want It On Low” and “Wonky Donkey “ or the influence of Joy Division on “When the Mind Grows Up”? The album closes with “I Need Somebody” which has the ‘80s painted all over it.

​The individual songs and song writing is truly exceptional. If Stein can carve out more of a sound instead of wearing his influences on his sleeve then I could see Colossal Orange gaining a large following. That being said don’t pass up this album. I’m sure you will find at least a couple of songs you will have on repeat.

Tweet