ARTIST: Orson TITLE: Bright Idea LABEL: Mercury GENRE: Indie BITRATE: 219kbps avg PLAYTIME: 0h 38min total RELEASE DATE: 2006-05-15 RIP DATE: 2006-02-24 Track List ---------- 01. Bright Idea 4:15 02. No Tomorrow 2:51 03. Happiness 3:56 04. Already Over 3:50 05. Tryin To Help 3:04 06. So Ahead of Me 3:38 07. Last Night 4:35 08. Look Around 5:06 09. Save the World 3:43 10. OK Song 3:53 Release Notes: Like the Scissor Sisters before them, L.A. five-piece Orson are attempting to crack the UK before their home country, and with an album as good as Bright Idea, its no wonder there is a furious bidding war erupting between a host of UK major labels to sign them. With a sharp, contemporary look, Orson grab the limelight even before their music a heady mix of rock, pop and retro soul - is heard. So its a good thing that the punchy, quirky and undeniably commercial songs on Bright Idea more than live up to the hype. The superb opening title track is a blend of sassy rock and pure pop melody, marking out lead singer Jason Pebworth as a star front man in the making, thanks to his great voice and the self-confident delivery of someone who has had roles in Broadway musicals Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. Orsons sound is part Rolling Stones, part Fun Lovin Criminals and part Robbie Williams, with No Tomorrow the type of song that could have a similar impact as Angels if given the right promotion by whichever label signs the band. The power-pop of Already Over and the urgency and verve of Tryin To Help contrast wonderfully with the laid-back retro vibe of the brilliant Happiness, while the undeniably cool and catchy groove of No Tomorrow highlights just why Orson caused such a stir at the recent In The City music industry gathering in Manchester. The crisp, slick production of Noah Shain adds to Orsons overall appeal and although the album may be tweaked slightly when inevitably given an official UK release, the fact is that Bright Idea in its present form is a smash hit waiting to happen. At present, the album is only available via import from the band's website, but rest assured, L.A.'s best-kept secret wont remain under wraps in the UK for too much longer.