Mock Orange

The Record Play (2000)

Scott Heisel

Mock Orange exemplifies everything that is wrong with the independent scene. Now, don't misunderstand me: there is nothing wrong with the band itself. In fact, I am falling head over heels in love with their sweet blend of Braid, Jimmy Eat World and American Football. The problem lies in their label -- Lobster Records. Now, be honest, how many people have heard of this label? I see maybe a few hands. I'm not badmouthing the label, either. The problem today is that too many really good bands put their albums out on obscure indie labels with little to no distribution, and in turn, very few people will hear the band. Essentially the market is becoming flooded. If this band could get on Polyvinyl, or Doghouse, or Big Wheel Recreation, they could be absolutely huge. This album just will not get out of my head to save it's life. From the opener, "Brake Lights On," with it's stop/start drums and crazy guitar licks, to "In Even Time," which will have you wanting to play air guitar for 3 minutes straight, to "Nothing To Write," which sounds like a Braid outtake [but it is much better than Hey Mercedes], Mock Orange rocks hard. My only wish for this band is that they get incredibly popular, at least on the independent scene. Music this talented deserves to be heard. Good luck, boys!

MP3s
She Runs The Ride
In Even Time
Nothing To Write

[taken from a different kind of greatness webzine]