Orange Drink

Orange Drink has spent the last nine years in Chicago, earning a reputation for “predictable unpredictability.” Fans head to shows ready to see something they’ve never seen before, knowing that no two performances are alike. From folk to noise to hip-hop and puppet shows to video art to breakdancing, the only rule is that there are no rules. On their latest release, Minotaur, Orange Drink breaks new ground for electronic dance music by releasing an instrumental album with an engaging story line. Illustrated by sonic elements and thematic changes and told by chapter titles listed on the included “Labyrinth Map,” the album is one that can be studied and examined, or breathlessly danced straight through.

Drew Fernando, Orange Drink’s founding member, created Minotaur with a rotating cast of musicians and artistic collaborators, beginning with Orange Drink’s first electronic performance back in 2008. As they transitioned from the indie-rock of their second album Narcolepsy and traded guitars for MIDI controllers, they revised and improvised material during each show, much of which was later distilled into their first vinyl release on Hemlock Records. After a stellar performance at Chicago’s famous Empty Bottle, opening up for critics’ favorite Gold Panda, Orange Drink debuted Minotaur with a headlining performance at The Double Door, which culminated in audience-wide dance party on stage.

Between jumping off stage, comedic puppets, creepy VHS videos, zombie makeup, and electronic dance, hardcore punk, noise soundscapes, and rock music, you always know you'll never know what you're going to get with Orange Drink.