Xorigin - State Of The Art

For some unknown reason the Scandic nations rule when it comes to rock bands. Now I don’t know if it’s the lack to daylight hours which makes ‘em all a bit loopy, or if its the equivalent of National Service whereby at the age of 18 it is compulsory to start a band. For some reason the genre of melodic/aor is right up their gata/gaten (too much watching Wallander). So, being trapped in the musical equivalent of ‘The Power Hour’ where this once great TV program is still current and topical in Scandinavia, Xorigin have tapped into this stream of spandex, multi-layered keyboards and harmonies. God bless them for that. I say that with all sincerity as I love AOR!!

Melodic hard rock with a modern edge would be a fitting description of Xorigin's music. Musically they draw on influences such as Giant, Toto, Foreigner and Yes to name a few, but still keeping their own personal sound and musical identity intact. They have strong melodies, well crafted songs and catchy vocal arrangements as a trademark.

The band was originally named Orange Crush (so no bleedin’ wonder they changed it!!) and was formed in Los Angeles in 1999, while the members where studying music at the Musicians Institute. Like a Miners Institute, only for decrepit musicians. The founding members Johannes Stole (vocals) and Daniel Palmqvist (guitar) later returned to their home countries of Norway and Sweden and continued collaborating on various projects in between their other engagements. Johannes is a sought after session singer/artist in Oslo, Norway and has released a critically acclaimed album with progressive rock band P:O:B. Daniel has released a well received instrumental solo album and is also the guitarist for the band The Murder Of My Sweet. Again not the best name in the world. Sweet? Humbug, parma violet, love heart, what??

Now they have once again teamed up with their long time friend, producer/drummer Daniel Flores to record their debut album which promises to keep the current trend of very strong AOR releases in 2011

Frontiers have an unbelievably strong roster of AOR bands currently, and by only criticism is that albums by Work Of Art and Toby Hitchcock (also reviewed) are being released at the same time and you're average punter may not want to spend £30-40 on 3 albums all released the same week! Don’t let that put you off, as Xorigin, whilst not in the same bracket as their label mates, have still put out a strong album that would he hot in any other year, but this year’s AOR market is ‘on fire!’

Xorigin give us all the hallmarks of good formulaic melodic rock, great riffs, catchy choruses, sumptuously layered vocals and music which takes us back to some of the decent stuff which was put out in the 80s. Tracks like the opener ‘Cant Keep Running’, ‘Gina’, ‘Too Late’ and ‘The One Fore Me’ are all strong enough track that validate your decision to splash the cash in such an overcrowded (but high quality) market

Its great that new bands still want to continue to get their music out in the open, as AOR needs a future. Xorigin are staking their claim to be one of the bands that will be a mainstay in years to come

Label - Frontiers

Tracklisting: Can´t Keep Running; Crying For You; In The Blink Of An Eye; Too Late; Gina; This Is It; The One For Me; Said And Done; Matters To The Heart; What Love Is All About; Mend My Heart.

 XORIGIN
Johannes Stole – vocals, keyboards
Daniel Palmqvist- guitars

82/100 Recommended