Album Review: Glory by The Orpheus Replica
Alright, let’s talk about Glory, the 2014 rock album from Germany’s own The Orpheus Replica. If you’re into New Wave vibes with a modern twist, this one might just hit the spot. Released under Bellerophon Records, it’s got that raw energy mixed with some slick production tricks—thanks to producer Eroc and co-producer Rudi Kronenberger (who also handles keys). The band’s lineup is solid too, with Orpheus Joe Mc Master killing it on vocals and lead guitar, Dr. Bob shredding rhythm, Von Irme holding down bass like a champ, and Peter Sherman smashing those drums.
Now, I gotta say, this isn’t your typical polished-to-death studio project. It feels alive, kinda messy in all the right ways, like they were having fun while making it. And honestly? That makes it memorable.
Let me break down a couple tracks for ya:
First up, “Mesmerised (Reshape)”—this song sticks with me because of its groove. Like, as soon as the opening riff kicks in, you can’t help but nod along. Orpheus Joe’s voice has this raspy charm that works perfectly over the driving beat. There’s something hypnotic about how the keyboards weave through the mix without overpowering everything else. By the time the chorus hits, you’re hooked—it’s catchy but not annoyingly so. You know what I mean? It's the kind of track that sneaks up on you after a few listens and refuses to leave your head.
Then there’s “We Are The Wolf Parade”, which is basically an anthem waiting to happen. This one leans harder into their New Wave roots, with big, bold synths and a drumbeat that could march an army into battle. Lyrically, it’s got this rebellious vibe, almost like a call to arms for misfits everywhere. What really gets me though is the outro—it builds and builds until it explodes into pure chaos. Not gonna lie, I’ve rewound that part more times than I care to admit.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too, especially the title track “Glory,” but these two stood out to me the most. They feel like moments where the band found their sweet spot between retro cool and fresh ideas.
So yeah, Glory isn’t perfect—it’s a little rough around the edges, and maybe some transitions could’ve been smoother—but that’s part of its charm. It’s real, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll with a dash of synth magic. Kinda reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to wrap this up: if you ever see someone walking down the street blasting “We Are The Wolf Parade” from their phone, don’t judge them. Join in. Because life’s too short not to howl at the moon once in a while.
