James Orr Complex |
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Firstly, let’s forget about Harry Potter. The James Orr Complex details what it’s like to be a real wizard, albeit a guitar wizard. Scottish singer/songwriter Chris Mack is the man behind the Complex, and although it has taken long enough for this album to finally exist, it was worth the wait.
The acoustic guitar rings out clearly. At times it sounds like there are two guitars competing to be heard alongside a bass. Scarily, it’s simply a complex illusion as it really is just one man and one guitar. There are no fancy recording effects, no electronic bleeps and blips, and no layered harmonies. The record is as raw as can be, but this is what the James Orr Complex is all about and this is exactly how it sounds to be locked up in a small darkened room with him.
Arpeggios swim around your head forming shapes rarely created in modern music. To watch him play is mesmerising, but even the aural stimulation alone carries that “what the hell?” factor. If he had been trying this stuff in the 16th Century he’d have been burned at the stake, but thankfully that’s not a problem right now.
It’s not all style and no substance either though. This isn’t a simply case of an acoustic Joe Satriani. ‘Antibodies’ and ‘Mouthpiece’ are both delicate little numbers that could win over the hearts and mind of any war torn state. Then there is the wonderful ‘Free Harmony’, briefly taking a more standard route. Pushed along by drums and strumming, it is perhaps the most accessible song to a new listener but the instant reward from the song is not simply a sign of weakness. There are some challenging elements too, but it’s never anything to fear.
Overall, Chori’s Bundle is a lovely experience, woven carefully with a guitar, some fragility, and a little bit of magic. It has highs, it has lows, and it will hopefully have your attention soon. I still can’t believe it took so long in coming, though.
Steven McCarron
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