Orgy are, like, totally awesome '80s
As the first signees to neo-thrashmasters Korn's Elementree Records, Los Angeles quintet Orgy spent las summer performing for post-hesher metalheads on the Family Values Tour. But a close inspection of the debut disc, Candyass reveals roots that go far deeper than Korn's twisted dreads. Check out the eerie keyboard squiggles, Jay Gordon's British-sounding vocals, and-what's this?- an aggro-fied-for-the-'90s cover of New Order's mope- dance "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 accesorize their Gucci-meets-Goodwill togs with Goth-inspired coifs. (Bassist Paige Haley crafts his own jet-black, Robert Smithian wig.) Also essential: well stocked makeup kits packed with Urban Decay and MAC cosmetics. "Girls trip out over all the shit that we have," says guitarist Amir Derakh. Average pre-shou 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 alon with muscle shirts emblazoned with Japenese 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 definitly there. Dead or Alive is one of my favorite bands ever."
Do they want your sex?
Woof, woof. Hearkening back to more carefree, pre-epedemic days Orgy whip out their healthy libidos at strip clubs across America. "We went to this gentlemen's club in Reno," recalls Haley "Ryan (Shuck guitarist) thought he was throughing out one-dollar bills onstage, but they were actually hundreds." And back home, Hewitt is married to adult-film star Shane.