As the first signees to neo-thrashmasters Korn's Elementree Records, Los Angeles quintet Orgy spent last summer performing for post-hesher metalheads on the Family Values Tour. But a close inspection of the band's debut disc, Candyass, reveals roots that go far deeper than Korn's twisted dreads. Check out the eerie keyboard squiggles, Jay Gordon's disaffected British-sounding vocals, and--what's this?--an aggro-fied-for-the-'90s cover of New Order's mope-dance classic "Blue Monday." Could those lead-footed drumbeats actually be the thumping of a New Wave heart? As the following checklist confirms, the '80s may smell funny, but Orgy love them anyway.
Flashy, androgynous image? Yup. Fashion plates all, Orgy accessorize their Gucci-meets-Goodwill togs with Goth-inspired coifs. (Bassist Paige Haley crafts his own jet-black, Robert Smithian fright wig.) Also essential: well-stocked makeup kits packed with Urban Decay and MAC cosmetics. "Girls trip out over all the sh*t we have," says guitarist Amir Derakh. Average pre-show prep time: one hour. "Sometimes it's faster if we're running late," says Haley.
Do they blind you with science? Check. Derakh favors guitar synths, an instrument that went out of vogue in 1985 along with muscle shirts emblazoned with Japanese characters. "I've got just about every [synth] ever made," the proud gearhead says. Drummer Bobby Hewitt further solidifies the robo-pop aesthetic with his electronic Roland "V" drums. Terry Bozzio, anyone?
Can they dance if they want to? You betcha. Orgy's "Blue Monday" has already been subjected to multiple dance remixes. "We don't really strive to be dance-friendly," says former club DJ Derakh, "but that's definitely there. Dead or Alive is one of my favorite bands ever." -Tim Kenneally