467 Surf And Gun Club
Fixation/Infinity Cat, 2021
8/10
Listen to 467 Surf And Gun Club
The singer, songwriter and producer Robert Ellis Orrall has enjoyed a 40+ year career that includes records in every decade since the ‘80s, as well as penning songs for Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift, among others. On this installment of his work, Orrall pays homage to a legendary hang out spot that is no longer, and he brings plenty of melody and a colorful expanse of very California friendly sounds.
“In Dreams” starts the listen with warm keys and expressive singing as a dreamy quality enters the pretty landscape, and “Morning Songs” follows with an initially calm opening that leads into soulful, pop ideas that are as timeless as they are absorbing.
Further on, the indeed bright “Sunny” is full of contagious melody that immediately invites singing along, while “Wish About Her” enters piano balladry as Ellis offers a poetic quality to the beauty. “Miserable”, one of the album’s best, then bounces and soars with an infectious pop-rock display.
Close to the end, the frisky keys of “Welcome To Paradise’, complements the raspy vocals from Leon Russell, and “Anthem 467” exits the listen and builds from keys and emotive singing into a quirky form of psychedelia that’s quite adventurous.
A lush and layered affair that embraces effects, guitar solos and plenty of versatile drumming, Orrall possesses a wealth of talent and his diverse song craft makes for a distinct variation of Southern California folk-pop that you can’t help but admire.
Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street