3 out of 5

Produced by: Dave Jerden

Label: Elektra

A ragged and relatively raw slab of proto-rap rock, steered with a notable enthusiasm thanks to the group’s punkish approach to most of their tracks.  Indeed, this where “Driver” temporarily blows your mind: when it’s going for broke on tracks like opener ‘Glistening.’  Elsewhere, the low-chord, high-chord, distorted gang vocals setup can start to blend together, even if it is an incredibly catchy variant of it.  Lead singer Chaka Malik has a deep, almost soulful rumble that’s pleasant to listen to whether he’s shouting or talking, and playing the role of Yelly Guy in a backwards-hat-wearin’ genre of music, he should be lauded for avoiding the easy rhyme or lazy swearing for the most part, although his concepts tend not to develop past a couple of sentences per song.  Meanwhile, our trio of players – drums, bass and guitar – pummel Hell out of their instruments, producer Dave Jerden jacking the bass up, giving the band a unique gut punch, the low-end well juxtaposed against the quick riffing.  And through and through, whether on the highlights or the more average tracks, Orange 9mm will take fascinating compositional steps that prove their skills extend beyond momentum.  It’s these flourishes plus the backbone of funk buried deep ‘neath the bluster that Dave Sardy would emphasize on follow up Tragic; that these elements are apparent on ‘Driver’ without Sardy’s influence is impressive, although you have to digest the lumps of aggression to appreciate them.