Origin:Orphan cover

Origin:Orphan

The Hidden Cameras · 2009

48 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of orchestral arrangements intertwines with introspective lyrics and alternative rock sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ratify the New — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its anthemic chorus and intricate arrangements, showcasing the band's signature blend of emotion and exuberance.
  • →
    Colour of a Man — With its reflective lyrics and gentle melody, this track explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, capturing the essence of the album's introspective nature.
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    Silence Can Be a Headline — The closing track encapsulates the album's overarching motifs of isolation and yearning, combining haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that linger long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends orchestral and rock elements effectively, showcasing strong arrangements but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that frequently swell and recede, creating a dynamic backdrop for the vocals.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral elements, adding layers of harmony that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some songs maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to allow for introspection.
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
5/10

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

  • introspective lyrics with orchestral depth
  • vibrant arrangements for reflective moments
  • lyrical exploration of belonging themes
  • dynamic shifts in emotional tone

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
  • seek constant high-energy songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2009, Origin:Orphan is The Hidden Cameras' fourth studio album, following their acclaimed record, Awoo. At this point in their career, the band was further refining their eclectic sound and exploring deeper themes of identity and belonging within their music.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ratify the New 6:31
  • 2 In the NA 4:20
  • 3 He Falls to Me 4:09
  • 4 Colour of a Man 4:48
  • 5 Do I Belong? 4:12
  • 6 Walk On 4:42
  • 7 Kingdom Come 3:10
  • 8 Origin:Orphan 5:21
  • 9 Underage 2:50
  • 10 The Little Bit 2:38
  • 11 Silence Can Be a Headline 5:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata