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Let It Go with Orca Team
By Charlie | June 16, 2010
It may not seem like it right now with the ever persistent clouds hovering overhead in Portland, but summer is just around the corner. And of all the tasks that come with the season, Orca Team has just crossed one off your list; finding the perfect summer soundtrack. Their surf rock debut, Let It Go, could have come out of a time capsule circa 1960, it so perfectly captures the faded charm of an instantly recognizable era usually reserved now for Time Life collections. But this Portland trio aren’t just a Polaroid from the past, Let It Go is a stand out lo-fi collection of tunes that are not only memorable, but down right addictive.Bassist and vocalist Leif Anders, like the spitting image of a young Buddy Holly, sports thick frames and dapper suits with a pompadour to top it off. Guitarist Jessica Baldauf and drummer Ami Taylor round out the minimal trio, creating a post-rock beach blanket party. Built on standard and straightforward hooks, their timeless driving riffs and hauntingly melodic vocals are as Ian Curtis as they are Frankie Avalon. The opening title-track sets the scene with a kitschy rhythm complimented by Anders’ perfectly mournful croon and rippling guitar lines filling in around the wandering bass.Sure, it sounds innocent enough, but it’s not all sunshine and lover’s lane for Orca Team. Remember, their namesake is still the most un-fuckable with mammal in the water. Tracks like “TMR” prove that Orca Team owns the beach, not afraid to “teach you all a lesson, bring my own protection” like a street gang that snaps their fingers and flips their collars in unison. Just saying.