What makes Orb by Boiled in Lead notable?

The album received notable attention for its innovative approach to fusion music, helping to shape the emerging gypsy punk scene. Critics praised it for its adventurous spirit and complex arrangements, leading to increased recognition within the alternative music community during the early '90s. Released in 1990, 'Orb' is Boiled in Lead's third studio album, following their 1988 release 'Songs from the Gypsy Camp'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound that blended traditional folk with modern punk influences, marking a departure from purely Celtic punk to a broader worldbeat aesthetic.

How many songs are on Orb?

Orb has 16 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Orb

Boiled in Lead · 1990

50 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of Eastern European folk melodies with punk energy and eclectic instrumentation creates a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Klezpolka — This track opens the album with a high-energy blend of klezmer and punk rock elements, setting the tone for the genre-bending journey ahead.
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Army (Dream Song) — Merging haunting melodies with poignant lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's ability to intertwine emotional depth with infectious rhythms.
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Sally in the Garden — This rendition showcases the band’s knack for transforming traditional songs into contemporary anthems, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a vibrant fusion of styles with strong arrangements but has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that combines traditional klezmer rhythms with punk instrumentation, setting a lively tone.
Instruments such as the accordion and violin are prominently featured alongside electric guitars, blending folk and rock elements throughout.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, incorporating more reflective melodies that contrast with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Army (Dream Song)

A verse shifts perspective from collective longing to personal reflection, creating an intimate connection amidst broader themes of conflict.

This change in perspective elevates the emotional weight of the song, contrasting communal experiences with individual introspection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Klezpolka 3:28
2 Son, Oh Son 3:30
3 Tape Decks All Over Hell 1:43
4 Snow on the Hills 2:52
5 Serbian Kolo #3 3:33
6 Army (Dream Song) 3:16
7 Harout 3:17
8 Brave Bombardier 2:51
9 Šota 4:02
10 Siege of Delhi 4:32
11 Hard Times 2:02
12 Sally in the Garden 2:22
13 Glasena Klingar 2:52
14 The Town of Ballybay 3:52
15 Čunovo Oro 4:26
16 Kaen-Lao Gratop Mái 1:59

What to play next

Listen next

Old Lead

1991

Go back to

From the Ladle to The Grave

1989

Full Boiled in Lead discography Artists like Boiled in Lead

Celtic punk alternative rock worldbeat

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata