Red Orchid: Blood Vessels & Marshmallows

Hailing from Washington, DC, Red Orchid is a two piece progressive rock band led by main man Sanmeet Sidhu (guitars, vocals, bass, piano, synths) and is joined by Tom Dupree III (drums). The band has been reduced to two members since their debut The Sky Is Falling and Sanmeet's role in the band has expanded greatly. While I very much enjoyed their debut, Blood Vessels & Marshmallows is even better.

The band plays mood laden progressive rock laced with art rock atmospherics, ambient textures and harder edged elements. Fans of Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd should be suitably impressed.

The title track starts the album with a haunting intro and sustained guitar chords add to the moodiness. As the song progresses the guitar has a Pink Floyd Animals feel with an overall Porcupine Tree vibe. Softer guitar and keys add textural layers and a somber atmosphere.

"Release" mixes elements of post rock with Steven Wilson style vocals and an overall mellower sound. Crashing guitar rhythms add to the drama.

The moody "Silent Train" takes on spacey atmospherics and psych inspired guitar with excellent lead vocals. Again the Porcupine Tree influence is readily apparent.

An aura of sadness pervades the pretty "Bitter Hands" before heavier drums and guitar end the song with added intensity.

The album's longest song is the ten minute "Flabbergast" featuring Floydian soundscapes and subtle builds. Touches of psychedelia make for one trippy ride.

The album ending "Let Go; Jenni" is a relaxing piece with dream laden soundscapes and a gentle groove.

Blood Vessels & Marshmallows is an album full of mood and atmosphere with excellent melodies and strong songwriting. Although I made many references to Floyd and Porcupine Tree this album is by no means a duplicate of those bands. Subtly influenced would be more accurate. It's a classy album and earns a well deserved four stars.

Track Listing:
1. Blood Vessels & Marshmallows
2. Release
3. Glass Woven Yarn
4. Silent Train
5. Astronomicon
6. Bitter Hands
7. White Mist, Black Widow
8. Drown With Me
9. Flabbergast Butterfly
10. Let Go; Jenni

Added: January 18th 2012
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2309
Language: english

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