There is nothing balmy or equable about Mild Orange‘s musical output. This year has seen a stream of the most sparkling, dreamy pop magic from one of New Zealand’s most formidable and finest music exponents (see our reviews of singles ‘This Kinda Day’ and ‘Time Of Our Lives’). And now, as a joyous finale to the year, the band has announced details of their new album ‘Looking For Space’ due out on 10 February 2022 through AWAL.
As a very tasty pair of amuse bouche to whet our appetites, Mild Orange have also released a double sided single with ‘What’s Your Fire’ and ‘Hollywood Dreams’.
‘What’s Your Fire?’ is a scintillating and coasting track with sparkling guitar embellishments that adorn the ringing melodies and anthemic chorus. Distant droning synths create a luscious coating to the canvas with yearning vocals casting rays of light. This is glorious, expansive music that dances and chimes. Singer Josh Mehrtens says:
For me, ‘What’s Your Fire?’ came from a time in my life where I was trying to figure out who I am, or who the person I want to be is. It asks oneself some intense questions, though hopefully helps oneself find light in the idea that there is always something that you can do to improve yourself or the world around you – no matter how big or small.
The lyrics reveal a certain optimism and positivity in the face of the human condition:
Fallen angel
Its alright
Pick up your halo
You’re doing fine
Earth angel
Humankind
So destructive
Still beauty to find
‘Hollywood Dreams’ continues with the delightful layered musical flourishes that Mild Orange do so superbly, with a little more restraint. Mehrtens’s vocals have a barbed wire core cloaked in velvet feel – urgent and yearning – as the instrumentation glistens like water droplets on a leaf in the sunshine.
Utterly delightful singles. Both tracks are available to download and stream here.
Mild Orange will be embarking on a world tour in 2022 covering the EU, UK and North America. Details, tickets and further information available here.
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