Orc cover

Released 10 years ago

Orc

Osees · 2016

50 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

An exhilarating blend of frenetic energy and chaotic melodies that captures the essence of modern garage rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nite Expo — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, showcasing the band's ability to merge psychedelic elements with garage rock energy. It encapsulates the album's playful yet frenetic spirit.
  • →
    Keys to the Castle — With its sprawling length and intricate arrangements, this song exemplifies Osees' knack for crafting immersive sonic landscapes that challenge traditional song structures. It serves as a centerpiece for the album.
  • →
    Cadaver Dog — This track features intense guitar riffs and a relentless pace, reflecting the band's noise rock influences while still being accessible. Its high-energy delivery makes it a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Orc showcases energetic compositions and strong production, though it may not fully reward repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature rapid tempos and layered guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Cadaver Dog' which transitions from a frenetic pace to a slower, more contemplative section.
  • The album closes with 'Raw Optics', which features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady progression through chaos
  • immersive journey of sound
  • captivating auditory tension release
  • exploratory listening with surprises

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking immediate gratification
  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2016, Orc is Osees' ninth studio album, following their acclaimed record Mutilator Defeated at Last. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation for eclectic soundscapes, continuously evolving while maintaining a raw, energetic edge. This album further established them as innovators within the garage rock scene.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Static God 4:20
  • 2 Nite Expo 2:57
  • 3 Animated Violence 5:06
  • 4 Keys to the Castle 8:10
  • 5 Jettisoned 5:14
  • 6 Cadaver Dog 4:50
  • 7 Paranoise 4:28
  • 8 Cooling Tower 3:35
  • 9 Drowned Beast 5:02
  • 10 Raw Optics 6:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata