The Wake

In the 90’s, Scotland had some power house indie acts like Belle and Sebastian and Arab Strap. More recently pop-tastic Camera Obscura is making a scene with their new album coming out on April 20. These bands seem to have one thing in common, Orange Juice. I’m not talking about the cold-fighting, all-around health beverage boasted by every Floridian.

Orange Juice formed in 1975, originally calling themselves the Nu-Sonics until the formation of legendary indie pop record label Postcard. After joining the label, the Nu-Sonics changed their name and recorded their first album, You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever for under £100.

At this point, Punk’s macho attitude and the void left by Joy Division, left by Ian Curtis’ suicide, needed to be filled, hence Orange Juice’s success. Their single “Rip It Up” reached the number 8 position on the UK Singles Chart in February 1983 and ended up being the Bands only top 40 hit.
You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever is a pop-gem. Fusing post-punk like Joy Division and Funky guitar riffs like Chic, similarities can be drawn to Gang of Four. But unlike Gang of Four’s striking political message, Orange Juice was less serious, more lyrically ironic, and definitely more optimistic and will leave listeners with a pulpy, bitter-sweet after taste. One can’t help but nod her or his head to the rolling guitars in songs like “Upwards and Onwards” or “Wan Light.” The tempo of the whole album flows consistently and the slight variations on each of the tracks keep the album fresh after every listen.