..Beatles,Stones,Faces,Bryan Ferry,Kinks,David Bowie,Ry Cooder,Neil Young,Brian Wilson,Righteous Brothers,Bob,The Waterboys,Peter and Gordon,The Byrds, Phil Spector,Stax Volt,Motown,The Rain,Buddy Holly,The Hollies,The Burnette Brothers,Enigma,Doug Sahm,Roots,Ricky Nelson,Blue Nile,Gram Parsons,Delerium,Judy Collins,The Bluebells,Johnny Mathis,Johnny Ray,Roy Orbison,Simple Minds,Aztec Camera,Memphis,Carole King,The Drifters,The Yardbirds,Poco,The Seeds,Bloodwyn Pig,Mott The Hoople,Gene Pitney,Ornella Vanoni,Dusty Springfield,Sam Cook,Van Morrison,10cc,Patty Pravo,Gerry and the Pacemakers,Them,Gogi Grant,Chad and Jeremy,Timi Yuro,The Outsiders,Beau Brummels,Lou Reed,Tom Petty,Jeff Lynn,Thomas Dolby,Cock Robin,Lonnie Donegan,Frank Ifield , Slim Harpo,John Fogerty,Marvin Gaye,The Standells, and a cast of thousands that we heard throughout the airwaves wherever and whatever we were doing in the formative years and the now. Although we sound like none of them in particular it is with every note that comes a message and an idelible stroke has been left. This is what got us hooked. Out of this gorgeous potpourri of melody and soul and whatever great source exists to be able to create more songs we are happy to be back doing what we do......stay tuned...there's more coming..
It is good to be able to listen to an uncomplicated album that oozes professional musicianship and interplay; all the tracks are well written and take one back to the true essence of Pop Music, but without the 'bubblegum'. Tracks, such as She's leaving for London and Waiting for Catherine have that extra something that gives this band their own special appeal and sound. The lyrics on the former can apply (and probably do) to many a person who has been involved in such a relationship; the linking of the plane with the sweet reminiscence of a particular scent will bring a tear to all sentimental beings! This does not mean that the album is dreary or over emotional but it is full of life's twists and turns, played out with some great guitar and organ/keyboard work. Kiva's harmonics on Waiting for Catherine give the track extra resonance and body. Overall, the album shines and I'll leave the other tracks for you to discover. Just like a good dessert, this album deserves gentle tasting thus allowing one to be overcome with all its subtleties and hidden moments.
Tony Bates
100.7 Highlands FM
Woodend
Australia
Russells Reviews - The Ormidales
The new album form The Ormidales kicks off with Last Time, which reminds me of The Hold Steady’s heartfelt country vocals, coupled with a sweet tune a bit like The Lemonheads more relaxed moments, when Evan is channelling Gram Parsons. Boy So Blue is a melancholic delight, while I Heard It On The Radio is a gentle samba. Like most things on this album it is soulfully sung with a country heart. You got a sense of familiarity as you listen to the album; such is the consistency and somewhat similarity of the songs. Not that they’re carbon copies, it’s just that they all share a vibe and feel, which rather nicely makes for a coherent if somewhat safe album. She Said You Said is rather cool though, reminding me somewhat of the Go-Betweens, a rather great thing indeed. Mrs Allan is a heartfelt and supernatural song, with pleading female vocals fighting for attention, apologetic to the last. This Day Is Done is a lovely ending, sombre and strung out, like Edwyn Collins on the prairie.
Russell Barker UK
Melodramatic Pop?
Electroacoustic?
These are words these two song writers from Vancouver, British Columbia use to describe their music.
Their self titled album is a collection of simple yet entertaining pop tracks that are lyrically interesting and unique musically. This isn’t your usual “bubble gum” pop however – oh no not at all – The Ormidales is ten easy listening, pleasing to the senses tracks that mix pop with R&B, Roots and a whole host of influences along that musical road.
The opener, “She’s Leaving For London”; a delightful, acoustic number to begin The Ormidales’ journey down their “melodramatic” trail. “She’s Leaving For London” has one of those catchy choruses that you find yourself singing along to without even realizing it.
Along this list of sweet and yet very appealing pop songs is “Last Train Out” with a hint of Roots provided by a very well placed steel guitar.
“Devils and Angels” is my personal favourite, with its Motown R&B groove, thanks to the addition of a sax, trumpet and keys. This is the track I found hitting “replay” on over and over again.
Just press play, sit back and enjoy the Electroacoustic, Melodramatic Pop that is The Ormidales; A one of a kind name for a one of a kind sound.
Shannon Ambrose - Canada Jams..
“Angels With Dirty Faces” and “Didn’t Even Get Your Name”, evocative of The Blue Nile, are beguiling songs that David Lynch might use in one of his films, giving Angelo Badalamenti a run for his money,
Christine Bode..Party Kingston
Two intrepid songwriters, Bill Oliver and Mark Branscombe, living in East Vancouver got together after a lengthy absence to rekindle the creative stew and come up with some new songs. The spark appeared and this offering is what manifested after several months of stray thoughts in morning traffic, re-writes, divine inspirational moments and the circulation of cool new creative juices. Their intent and vision was to create songs that meandered through genres and sounds of pop music that had inspired and excited them to begin playing music as kids. A chance meeting with producer p.d wohl and a few happy experiments proved to be fateful in allowing their muse to be channeled into their collection of songs .
The Ormidales have released two cd’s, The self titled The Ormidales and their new release These Little Dreams, They have both been well received and receive airplay throughout Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania and Asia. They were recently featured on the popular radio shows George Noory’s Coast To Coast and Erskine Overnight which resulted in airplay in every state and across Canada. Their music will appear in an upcoming reality series distributed by Extreme Entertainment.. produced by Greg Donis ( Ann Murray Story and Bryan Adams Juno Tribute) . One of the pleasant surprises for The Ormidales was to have their song Waiting For Catherine To Call played at two Liverpool soccer games with audiences of 50,0000 each game! They had two tracks on a Scottish release Destitunes that seen proceeds go to the homeless in Glasgow. They are presently nominated for song of the year with Radio Six International with their infectious “What Am I Supposed To Do” They ask for all fans to keep their song alive in 2009 by voting them at votes@radiosix.com They offer a unique sound that results from their love for multi genre music and the refusal to be boxed into one style .
You may contact The Ormidales at eastender@shaw.com
“The Ormidales have made "fantastic" soulful creations to all their songs giving out meaningful lyrics which delivers the best from their music as well as their style and ambition, they are of such great talent . 'Billy and Mark', have given much dedication to their songs & deserve recognition with my support & with their fan base on MySpace & radio play here in the UK its a great start to a new beginning for 'The Ormidales' I wish them all the success they deserve. - Kaz Music Promotion, U.K.
Great music you have here! I really loved listening to Something to Believe and Last Train in particular. Vancouver makes such great music.. Much Love, Mary Meg-a Music Toronto
“The Ormidales create beautiful and catchy songs that stay with you. Very strong musicianship and production have garnered the Ormidales strong success at radio. A must listen!”– Clay Phillips, Toronto Experimental Artists South
We really enjoyed your music! Great stuff! - Joe Chisholm, host THE TORONTO INDIE SCENE ..
THE ORMIDALES
These Little Dreams
(Independent)
Rating: ***
On their second album, The Ormidales' broaden their sound while
simplifying it at the same time. This means that the pair have added
more details to what is rootsy rock yet at times is reminiscent of
The Band. Songs such as "Last Time" and "What Am I Supposed To Do"
point to a natural talent for writing.
Grade: B
- Tom Harrison, Vancouver Province
Russels Reviews... Russel Barker UK
The new album form The Ormidales kicks off with Last Time, which reminds me of The Hold Steady’s heartfelt country vocals, coupled with a sweet tune a bit like The Lemonheads more relaxed moments, when Evan is channelling Gram Parsons. Boy So Blue is a melancholic delight, while I Heard It On The Radio is a gentle samba. Like most things on this album it is soulfully sung with a country heart. You got a sense of familiarity as you listen to the album; such is the consistency and somewhat similarity of the songs. Not that they’re carbon copies, it’s just that they all share a vibe and feel, which rather nicely makes for a coherent if somewhat safe album. She Said You Said is rather cool though, reminding me somewhat of the Go-Betweens, a rather great thing indeed. Mrs Allan is a heartfelt and supernatural song, with pleading female vocals fighting for attention, apologetic to the last. This Day Is Done is a lovely ending, sombre and strung out, like Edwyn Collins on the prairie.
Another Winner!!! Maureen Dillon - CJMQ Radio, Sherbrooke Quebec
Their music is positive and reverts back to a time you could understand the words and the lyrics had meaning. The instruments are natural crisp clear unlike the synthetic music and instruments we’ve become so accustomed to hearing. The difference is honest, human, and has a spiritual feeling.
Erskine...Erskine Overnight
These Little Dreams" review by Mike Quinn..
Spinning again and again is " These Little Dreams. "
It's the new offering from The Ormidales.
This one, like the last, examines a number of themes without sacrificing the cohesion that allows a sense of seamlessness.
The Ormidales have a lot to say, and it's said well.
Over 8 songs we are served a series of little dreams, but these dreams are far from small.
The expanse of expression is free of clutter, and that is wisely matched by spacious and sensitive arrangements.
This one really breathes.
It kicks off with a rollicking, genuine slice of Americana by Canadians.
" Last Time " is propelled by Producer p d wohl's take on the elusive " thin wild mercury sound " made famous ( by design or fluke ) by everyone's favorite mid ' 60's Nashville Cats.
The production throughout " These Little Dreams " is razor sharp, and " Last Time " is a great jump start.
" Boy So Blue " downshifts into inspired melancholy while avoiding all temptation to drift into the malaise that often plagues this universal theme.
The title tells us what it's about, but this boy isn't content to wallow, and I'm left with the impression that while he's blue now, he may not be blue for long.
This smooth downshift inspires our confidence in the driver.
Said confidence allows us to move on, and movement is what the title track " These Little Dreams " is all about.
Modes of transport, some real, some a product of the subconscious, push and pull us along through the adhesive nature of memory, and it's an always interesting trip.
" I Heard It On The Radio " is up next and I believe it's a tribute to our love affair with the airwaves of our collective past.
That's how it works for me anyway, and work it does.
This brings me back to my decade when the radio was it.
Our friend, our teacher, our alarm.
It's where we first heard our anthems.
Maybe that doesn't happen anymore.
It doesn't for me, but " I Heard It On The Radio " reminds me that it once did, and what that meant to me.
I've had the opportunity to listen to " What Am I Supposed To Do " for weeks before the rest of these songs.
I'm no closer to what I hoped would be a sense of resolution.
This one twists me around with it's random spooky disassociations.
There is a palpable sense of dread here that hits home and I can't shake it.
Not sure I want to.
Our constantly questioning hero is in a fix that I empathize with a bit too closely for comfort.
Needless to say, he one of my favorites in The Ormidales' cast of characters.
Willing to bet his concerns remain unresolved in the hoped for sequel.
I'm okay with that.
No I'm not.
" She Said You Said " is proof that The Ormidales finally got that time machine working.
It's a romp through the best of early ' 60's British heartbreak pop.
Were we ever really that young?
See George try not to look at Mr. Sullivan while he performs his Shadows dance and anchors himself to the real world with his Gretsch.
On the flip side is " Mrs Allen. "
It's the message no one wants.
From a poem by Malcolm McGonigal, it's a grim indictment of the horror that all wars bring.
The heartbreaking violin, and an at odds chorus of " we have to fight / why must we fight, " serve well the power of the message.
The Ormidales wrap it up with " This Day Is Done. "
A fitting finish.
We've been through a lot, and of this day The Ormidales tell us it's " Had it's problems, and it's fine with us. "
It's fine with us too.
Bill Oliver and Mark Branscombe have given us a lot to think about.
Like the face of the ancient moon that smiles down from the disc's cover, there is wisdom here.
Greetings Ormidales. I had the pleasure to see and hear your live performance at the Wired Bean in North Vancouver on Saturday (Oct/3) evening. It was most enjoyable to hear your songs live rather than CD.Your style of pop/folk/country/? is both haunting and infectious. Great set and keep up the good work lads. I look forward to catching more of your gigs as you get out and about.
Greetings Billy O , Mark and the rest of the Ormidale gang. Heard ya on CJSF radio from Simon Fraser University on Tuesday (Sept/29) night. It was great to hear you live.Good show lads. I've added more photos and blogs to myspace so come and have a look. Mike
Hi Guys! Your So Welcome :) Glad You Like It.. I Have More In Store For You. Things Are Great Here..How Are Things In Your Wolrd Of Music ? Enquiering Minds Want To Know...lol ~~Donna~~
Hello BillyO and Mark! Just Stopping By To Show Some Love And Support. How Are Things ? I Absolutly LOVE The CD's! I am Still Working On Some Things For You-More Then What I Showed You Already ;) Wishes For a Bright and Beautiful Day My Friends! ~~Doinna~~
Well I took your good advice, but it didn't really happen that. legs like jelly...but gee it could have if I had stuck to the original plan....couple of beers, football then a session with Mr Jim Beam.. oh damn SO CLOSE!!! Haha! have a great day or should be night there!!
Hi Billy O! Thanks soooo much for your very kind comments! It means the world! I'm diggin' your tracks as well here -- thought i was going to hear a Steely Dan cover on one of them! :) Anyway, we're both in the east end so we should plan a jam one night or something...In harmony ;) ~Lisa~
Hi guys, greetings from the UK! Many thanks for the friendship, comment and great music! I really enjoyed your songs :) Thanks for taking time to listen to my tunes, Billy, and you're right; Don't stop the music! You guys do the same :)
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