Description
If the three letters of this band’s name look familiar just rearrange the first two. That’s right–Alpacas Orgling is an homage to the orchestral sweep of ’70s hitmakers Electric Light Orchestra. What’s so compelling about these ten songs is how they capture the spirit of that earlier music without coming off as retro or nostalgic even while directly referencing Jeff Lynne’s arrangement production and writing styles. (The lyric I can hear the cellos singing in Distracted is certainly a tip of the hat in that direction). LEO have impressive credentials: assembled by Boston-based Bleu a.k.a. William James McAuley III the members include Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish Tony Goddess of Papas Fritas and Mike Voila of the Candy Butchers whose past works make them dovetail perfectly. Though all brand-new originals the set sounds like a greatest-hits collection. (And buried at the end unlisted is a cover of ELO’s Don’t Bring Me Down.) This is the soundtrack of one decade updated and right at home in another–braiding the years together making the world go ’round. –David Greenberger
