Published on Aug 25, 1999
First things first: No, not Smashing Pumpkins… Smashing
Orange.
Also, this is not an album where a band’s name started out as
Smashing Orange, to be changed later to Smashing Pumpkins. Yet,
Smashing Orange’s sound is Alternative like the Pumpkins, this band
is NOT Smashing Pumpkins. Their 1992 release
The Glass Bead Game is an impressive effort, and for those
Alternative hard-rock fans, this album will interest those
fans.
Smashing Orange consists of a four-man band, and none of these
members became part of who we know as Smashing Pumpkins. (Actually,
both bands were in existence in 1992.) The band’s lead
singer/guitarist is Rob Montejo, with bassist Stephen Wagner,
drummer Tim Supplee, and guitarist Rick Hodgson. (Any relation to
Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson?)
“Remember Kendra” has the Alternative sound, and “Wired” rocks
in the style of Veruca Salt’s “Seether”. “Flower Kisses” has a mix
of Alternative and Heavy Metal. “All Girls Are Mine” is a fast-pace
number, and it has a similar early-R.E.M. style, yet it has a more
harder-rock sound than R.E.M. The vocals have a style as such ’80s
bands as The Cure, The Church, and Modern English. “Something Comes
Down” is another hard rocker, with some awesome Alternative-rock
guitar solos.
“Indians Say” slows down the pace with its Soundgarden-sounding
style, as it merges into another Alternative rocker, “Look Behind
You.” “How Did You Feel” concentrates on a drum-driven beat (easily
count out loud the numbers 1-2-3), as it is a medium-sized rock
song. “Highway” is another Alternative rocker, likewise the album’s
closing song, “Below And Beyond”, a nine-minute song which has a
progressive feel to it, yet it is still Alternative.
The Glass Bead Game will have heads turning for those who
enjoy Alternative Rock. There are many comparisons to the style of
Smashing Orange’s music, like Veruca Salt, Soundgarden, and even
Nirvana. And I can’t help wonder if bands like Motorhead and
Hawkwind may be influences.
Even if you are a die-hard fan of Alternative Rock and Smashing
Pumpkins, you may want give this band a listen. Their music is much
harder-edged (not hardcore). Yet again, there are many other
Alternative Rock bands that have that same musical style. The more
reason to listen, and possibly add Smashing Orange to your
Alternative Rock list.