Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Punk rock can take you strange places. Veteran local DIY guy Jim Meloche has seen his share of musical incarnations over the years. His best-known band, Searching For Chin, started out in youth crew hardcore, morphed into tech metalcore, then evolved into arty screamo. Full disclosure: I should tell you I've known this dude for going on eight years, and seen this history first hand. Through it all, there's been no questioning the constant beat of Meloche's punk heart. "It's a romanticized version of things. We see punk rock as a somewhat pure version of music," says Meloche, 26. "At the root of it, it's still one of the last genres ... that you can do something honest and passionate with." Maybe that's why Meloche's new band, Orphan Choir, is already earning a loyal following only nine months into its existence. With their noisily earnest, raggedly melodic songs, the quartet has drawn comparisons to fiery, folkie punk bands like Avail and Hot Water Music. But punk isn't only about a sound. "I would probably just say it's the way we conduct ourselves," Meloche explains, pointing to ethics such as striving to play shows accessible to teens who aren't old enough to get into bars. "We still kind of come off like dirty, scumbag kind of kids," he cracks. Orphan Choir kick off their first tour with a show on Thursday at Milk Coffee Bar, 68 University Ave. W. Music at 8 p.m., $3 cover, all ages welcome. Online at www.myspace.com/orphanchoir. - Windsor Star: Monday, February 19, 2007
For years Jim Meloche fronted one of the city’s most influential hardcore bands, searchingforchin. Sadly, searchingforchin disbanded in 2005. Thankfully, Jim has not retired. He has now resurfaced in Orphan Choir, a fantastic band that is almost indescribable yet completely enjoyable. Remember when Wilco and Billy Bragg found some Woody Guthrie lyrics and recorded them for Mermaid Avenue? Well, now imagine if Tom Gabel from Against Me did the same thing with members of Built to Spill and The Old 97’s and you’re getting close. Considering that Orphan Choir is a super group of sorts themselves- Meloche is working with past and present members of Anais Nin, What Seas What Shores, Yellow Wood, and Repeat Until False- it’s no surprise the songs are so well presented. Check out the track “Everything in Past Tense” at http://www.myspace.com/orphanchoir and decide for yourself. - Up Front Magazine: Nov, 2006 (issue #99)
Discography
-Demo 2006 CDR (self released)
-Orphan Choir / the Establishment- split 7" (march 2007)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
After nearly a decade of playing in various noteworthy punk, hardcore, and metal bands, the collective members of Orphan Choir made a decision in early 2006 to try something new. Drawing primarily from the country and folk music each member grew up hearing from their grandparents, the original blueprint for the band was laid out. The goal was to incorporate said country influence with the energy and intensity they loved and created within the punk rock community since their early teens. Inspired by other such hybrid acts as the Pogues, Against Me, Lucero, Uncle Tupelo, and Defiance Ohio, the group hit the ground running and self recorded and released a four song demo in the summer of 2006. As with any bands growth, more influences slowly leaked in and the band eventually incorporated more driving, noisy elements to some songs, akin to early nineties indie pioneers like Archers of Loaf, Built to Spill, and Slint. After playing frequently in the Windsor/Detroit area, and armed with a new batch of songs, they headed into Chemical Sound in Toronto Ontario in late 2006 to record with veteran producer and C'mon front man Ian Blurton. With a new recording, a mounting release schedule, and plans to tour frequently, 2007 is going to be a busy and productive year for one of Canada’s hardest working bands. From DIY basement shows to large stages, they are comfortable playing any and every show.
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