Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: Culture

In Seattle's underground music scene blares the sound of the unique and bold music group known as The Georgetown Orbits. The GTOs have an upbeat spirit with tunes that open your eyes to a new culture and a fresh beat that is guaranteed to have listeners grooving, especially with their distinctive styles of ska and reggae..

I will admit, I was first introduced to this group by the durmmer who happens to be my big brother. However, I still wasn't expecting to really feel the music and mostly went to a concert only to show some "baby sister" support. Instead, the music provided an experience I'll never forget and I'm so glad I went.

I write this review not as a favor to my own flesh and blood, but to share this genre with you.

After being introduced to this genre and the band's approach to it, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality music, catchy lyrics and dance-a-licious beats they achieve.

Their self-titled debut album came out last March and I immediately checked it out. My favorite tracks are "Shoe Suede Blues", "Old King Cole", a remake of "Give and Take" and "Tribal War". Each one supplies a distinctive melody and vocals, backed by a fresh beat and tantalizing instrumentals including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, keyboard and even a flugelhorn, that's right you heard me... flugelhorn (a valved bugle with a mellow-trumpet sound).

Every track provides some unique individual quality. "Shoe Suede Blues" has a particular edge to it due in part to the unusual vocals and almost eerie feeling of the tune. "Old King Cole" is a modern funky rendition of the classic children's song, providing a high energy sequence that encourages listeners to get up and dance.

"Give and Take" is a love song unlike any other that you have ever heard. With a bouncy beat and snazzy lyrics, this is a crowd favorite at their concerts as well as on their CD. For the song "Tribal War", the GTOs go for a song with more relevance to the modern international issues. Dealing with a desire for peace, the music takes on a powerful and touching route through the simple lyrics and liquid melody.

The Georgetown Orbits have been exposing the Northwest to their highly entertaining and distinctive style, while also bringing in the largely overlooked yet powerful sound of ska and reggae. If you're looking for a new style of music that provides great beats, fun lyrics and smooth melodies, then this is definitely a group to check out. •

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