Description
From the convincing a cappella opening swear of “Gotta Roll” – which introduces you to the formidable voice that is Maria Borrelli, to the first strike of Peter J. Chang’s guitar string into funky chords; we know we have embarked a unique journey. Steady head rocking is unavoidable as this edgy, rock, jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae and soul piercing funk duo transplant you into their debut cd project – “Deep Orchid”. Evoking a decision to move on from our everyday lives, to do something different, especially toward a dream remains just steps away. Your musical palette has now been cleansed and ready to devour the power punch of “Higher Need”. This track allows our witness to Borrelli’s confession of her own personal destruction; as the arsonist unto self – during her constant inner search for deserved love, freedom, purpose and identity to her end. As if an eagle, lifted by Chang’s exquisite guitar, this track dips and soars start to finish as Maria redefines irony in an emotional tug of war.
The class act rock collaboration, whom met in 2003, has an unlimited amount of mileage to take you. For original, timeless and soul-stirring rock plug into the strings of “Hot Guitar”. A diversifying sound blending subtle latin flavors with hardcore rock, it exudes intelligent song arrangement by Peter. Maria and Peter explode life into pointed lyrics by MacArthur Nelson. The penmanship allows them to profess undying love for the lure of the extraordinarily well played guitar..honest vocals, expressed desires, literal hot strings and up tempo dance pace spin you into a roaring frenzy under the hypnotic whims of the favored guitar instrument. The coy string strumming at the beginning is luxuriously juxtaposed to the hard rocking to follow. Keeping pace, Deep Orchid continues the party with another solid cross genre track, “Groove of A Lifetime”. Re-tie your dancing shoes! An absolute melodic seduction, the body rockin’ groove teases you to the floor and provides room to just be yourself. Spirited guitar keep you on beat. The merge of rap and rock is present here; clever instructional lyrics by Nelson with his vocal debut add dimension.
Offering a selection of sexy ballads, the well balanced cd intertwines moody, sophisticated works like the injustice of “She Was”, the reap what you sow of “Destiny”, and the impending classic love lullaby of “Shine”. All carry the soft vocal plantings of Borrelli among the gentle seasoned plucks of Chang. Adding complexity to the love song sections of the collection is the genius “Wishing Well” which patiently speaks to an old love, that is still present or perhaps a current love that is forever absent. Either way “only time will tell what you get out of your wishing well”. Among them, the refreshing boldly simplistic “EZ 2 Love You” peek into the effortlessness of love found, possibly unrequited, for the lone purpose of expressing the beauty and gentleness of love itself. An admirable nod to Borrelli for the delicate vocal touch atop relaxing guitar and breezy orchestration by Chang.
Layering the wholeness of the project, Deep Orchid returns to uptempo territory. The city slick “Sidetalking” remixes modern hip hop influences with mature swagger by spotlighting the international talent of Laive3. His rapid fire ability showcased midway, supports Maria’s guide to keeping your street game in check. Bouncy, high energy and direct, this track will have you back on the floor and all the while, wiser. Equally telling, “Holding You Up” destroys all ego with its resounding swear to face the facts in fair weather love. Borrelli and Chang volley leadership on this one; perfectly synced to score the resulting testimony. Vocal checkmate.
Modern, diverse, edgy, passionate and savvy music hearken back to timeless love and life through music. Deep Orchid intricately weaves a trail of listening intrigue and satisfaction on all levels.
With an apropo close, Deep Orchid continues to hit hard with its sleek title track, “As Long As You’re Around”, pouring out her infinite love to another, Borrelli shows graceful vulnerability. Having learned the routes a heart can take through against obstacles of commitment, she firmly stands her ground and lays it all out for the count, offering and requiring a loves presence to the end. An almost vocal guitar lends perfect accompaniment to the confident stance of this track. A superb tale of love desired, found and captured. Long done with hollow embraces, Deep Orchid is ours, as long as we’re around.
