The Orchid Pool’s latest effort was recorded over a two year period from March 2003 to March 2005. That’s a fair stretch in the music biz – and what have they managed to come up with? Summer Won’t Last is pleasing record, but never quite manages to capitalize on its promise of dream-inducing personal pop.
The Orchid Pool has been churning ‘em out for about five years under the direction of songwriter Tony Paglia with the help of his wife Kim and an assembly of musicians. Summer Won’t Last is a more stripped down affair than previous efforts, but Paglia’s taste for vintage sounds and 60s melodies has assured a level of consistency throughout his sojourn in the pop game. Instantly likable opener ‘Fever Dream’, with its elegant Pet Sounds-infused melodies, is atypical of the direction forged on Summer Won’t Last. Generally the approach is underpinned by softly plucked folk-ish guitar, soothing melodies and a few bells and whistles. Apparently the Orchid Pool has received comparisons to Nick Drake and the Elephant 6 collective in the past - perhaps not a huge surprise considering Paglia’s residency in Athens, Georgia.
Despite its psychedelic, mystical cover art (provided by Paglia’s great-grandmother), which might lead one to think they are in for some good ol’ fairytale folk, Summer Won’t Last is more in the vein of wide-eyed sensitive-boy pop. In fact, it’s a fairly difficult record to describe, because while the songs have a hook and catch, there is little to distinguish them from typical journalistic descriptors. Summer Won’t Last doesn’t particularly standout from the pack, however Paglia’s sincerity helps things along and may slowly seduce even the most cynical listener.
Paglia is clearly one melodramatic cat, and on Summer Won’t Last he doesn’t hold anything back. Seemingly simple and direct lyrics often hide layers of emotion and feeling. When Paglia sings, “I used to live alone, all by myself”, on ‘Fever Dream II’, it just hits the spot. On quite a few tracks, the pop-haunt is in full effect. At other times, it’s all a bit too sentimental, and Paglia could definitely stand to pen a more original tune. If my prediction comes true that we will soon see a return to the spirit of early to mid 60s pop, likely in a mutated form, the Orchid Pool could stand in great stead. But first they will have to deliver on their promise.
