SPOONING OUT THE SEA

Spooning out the Sea is the peculiar title of the sophomore effort by Orphan Project, a US based Christian progressive rock outfit.

For those intimidated by the thought of music with Christian lyrical contents, in this case they aren't too bad. You will encounter a few instances of God and Jesus in here, but you won't find any instances of "Repent you sinners" or messages of a similar nature. These guys take pride in their faith though, but in a more subtle manner than most artists flying the religious flag.

Musically we're treated to an album residing somewhere in between progressive hard rock and progressive metal. Heavy guitar riffs dominate manners, but often played in a too slow fashion and somewhat too subdued to truly be called metal, yet slightly heavier and more intense than what's usually described as hard rock.

Synths, piano and organ adds details, and a few nukbrs with an electronic-sounding guitar further variety. Strong and distinct moods throughout, and generally good songs. Personally I find My Goodness to be the best of the bunch, a brilliant number on an otherwise solid release. And a venture well worth seeking out by hard rock and metal fans alike, as long as sophisticated music of a progressive variety is of interest and the lyrical contents isn't regarded as problematic.

3.5 stars. My last review for 2009 and i've struggled with the rating for this one. I very much liked their debut "Orphan Found" both the concept and the music, in fact the "Classic Rock Society" claimed it was the best debut by a U.S. band since SPOCK'S BEARD's "The Light". Here we are 5 years later and they've increased the heaviness quite a bit. What we get is song after song of heavy, melodic and very catchy music, almost like listening to hit after hit. I kept thinking of NICKELBACK because like that band this album stays with a formula that is heavy but radio friendly hard rock if you will. And that's the only negative for me but it's a big one.

The piano and drums stand out in the intro of "Reach". It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes and the vocals follow. I like the guitar here. Piano ends it. "Angels Desire" is heavier as the vocals come in quickly. The vocals are deep and the guitar is prominant especially after 3 minutes. "Fallen" is catchy with the guitar out front until it settles with piano. Reserved vocals join in. It gets fuller as contrasts continue. "One Dark Moment (Providence)" is heavy with some organ this time. Very catchy too.

"My Goodness" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. It's fuller before 2 minutes. Strings to end it. I like the lyrics on this one. "Head On Your Platter" kicks in heavily quickly. Lots of bottom end. I like the mood here. Strings before 4 minutes then it's heavy to end it. "Empty Me" features prominant piano,guitar and vocals. It settles before 3 1/2 minutes briefly then kicks back in. "The Battle Rages On" is heavy and uptempo. We get a childrens choir singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" at one point. Lots of piano when it kicks back in. "Spooning Out The Sea" is really the only laid back tune although it does get fuller. Nice guitar after 3 minutes.

Also missing for me on this one is that emotional element that I felt on the debut. Good album though.

3.5 stars really

Their second album released in 2009 with a strange and intresting name in same time Spooning out the sea is another worthy album for me. Definetly in same league with their first, no big imprevements here, the sound and all are the same, that means a good thing for me and an enjoyble trip for sure from start to finish. Well, musicaly speaking is more then ok, no really groundbreaking moments that's for sure but this effectiv combination between Dream Thater in their most friendly sound and attitude with pompous art rock a la Asia and Journey and with more complex passages remind me of Yes, Kansas or Spock's Beard works here very well. Heavy riffs combined with melodic lines makes from this second Orphan Project album a winner. Very good are the vocal arrangements, Shane Lankford isa very good vocalist and because of that he is also appear on lates two albums of Visual Cliff. As I said they are similar with ACT or Profusion. Good towards great in places. 3 rounded to 3.5 because I think this is their best album. Forte pieces One Dark Moment(Providence) and the title track with a great ending instrumental passages, the rest are ok too.