After establishing themselves with a bright and vibrant array of offerings over the last few years, Leeds-based outfit Blue Orchid Reaction recently returned to deliver their exciting new single 'Sunset Claims'.
Channelling a broad and driven alt-rock aesthetic that borrows from Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins, 'Sunset Claims' makes for a wonderfully enjoyable listen. Jam-packed with killer hooks, pulsing energy, and some catchy lyrics to boot, these guys are definitely heading in the right direction on this one.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
Matt – Guitar at 9 years old but then properly at 16.
Dom - Guitar at 13
Paul – Recorder (badly) in year 2 with an old Irish volunteer called ‘Mr Mills’
What was the first album you remember owning?
Matt - Smurfs hits volume 3 and PJ & Duncan Cool Cats.
Dom - B52s on tape
Paul – PJ & Duncan Top Katz (Snap! - however not cool cats matt?!) and Cotton Eye Joe (single)
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Matt – never had musical friends until uni and older. I started playing guitar to step away from just playing football every night until sundown.
Dom - I played alone until I did a few charity gigs with my ex that was a singer. I've made sure the songs will never resurface.
Paul – at uni I was in a couple of bands as the drummer – again indie/rock kind of thing (Rising Heights and Order 66).
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Matt - Primal Scream – Rocks or The Libertines – The Good Old Days
Dom - Wonderwall - I'd be loaded.
Paul – Merry Christmas by Slade – Noddy Holder and the gang must be minted!
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
Matt – The positive feedback, the head nods of someone getting into what you are doing.
Dom - Matt saying I've done a good job.
Paul – hearing the professionally produced versions of our songs – both satisfying and crazy that something we started writing in our bedrooms can sound pretty good and is getting listened to worldwide!
And what about the most frustrating part?
Matt – Not being able to afford the best recording experience and equipment to really bring the songs to life to a great standard. The current single is our best sounding single so far and it really elevates the songwriting.
Dom - not being able to use technology
Paul – Johnny (original drummer) leaving – we were just getting into a groove! Ah well...
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Matt – So so many names: Libertines, Suede, Arctic Monkeys, Guns n Roses, John Squire, Black Keys, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan and Jack White.
Dom - Nick cave, Neil Young, pixies
Paul – We are Scientists, Supergrass, Foo Fighters, Hives, Muse, Queen, Royal Blood.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Matt – Glastonbury! Hopefully, still making music, still playing with the other BOR boys as the core reason we do this, is for the enjoyment of creating with friends.
Dom – hopefully still playing and being the only band member with any hair left.
Paul – Hopefully still playing and enjoying like we are now, with some even better recorded tracks (dare I say an album!) and playing a few more gigs outside of Leeds – maybe one per continent!
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Blue Orchid Reaction's new single 'Sunset Claims' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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