Album Review: Foreplay

If there was one sentence that summed up Mild Orange’s sound and choice of name, it would be this, in their own words:

‘The colour orange can cause one to experience a heightened sense of optimism, a boost in aspiration, and a stimulation of warmth and happiness’ 

Mild Orange are a self-confessed melting pot of eclectic melodies, energy and vibrancy with smooth sounds.

Hailing from Dunedin and formed by early childhood friends, Josh Mehrtens and Josh Reid, they were quickly catapulted into the music scene after only one gig together, which soon lead to a NYE set at Rhythm and Vines during the recording of their debut album, Foreplay, which leads us here.

Foreplay is an interesting title for any album, let alone a debut, but it starts to make sense as the eleven tracks are unveiled. Kicking things off with simple, introductory track that is mostly instrumental.

Mild Orange have an experimental, mellow and decidedly ambient sound. It’s very relaxing and uplifting. A sound that is most definitely unconventional and has an Indie soft rock vibe.

Vocalist, Josh Mehrtens has a soulful, easy pitch that blends their smooth sound seamlessly and as each track progresses you get more of the New Zealand summer festival vibe from them.

The production and engineering of the whole album is solid and gives you the sense that what you hear is what you would get live, which often can be a hit or miss depending on production value, but they are nailed it on the head here.

If you dig, smooth, easy listening tunes with exploratory imagery then Foreplay might just be up your alley. Summer may officially be over, but Mild Orange will keep the good times rolling with their injection of sunshine straight to your ears.

_{Review written by Kerry Monaghan}