ALBUM REVIEW: O.R.k - Firehose of Falsehoods

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Prog rock international supergroup O.R.k. give us their 5th album Firehose Of Falsehoods via progressive rock label K-Scope. The band comprises bassist Colin Edwin (formerly with Porcupine Tree), drummer Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson), guitarist Carmelo Pipitone (indie rock band Marta Sui Tubi), and vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari aka LEF, who is also a renowned producer and award winning film score composer, with album artwork by acclaimed Marvel/DC comics illustrator Denis Rodier. The previous two albums had their artwork designed by Tool’s Adam Jones, extra kudos there. 

On the first two albums, Inflamed Rides and Soul Of An Octopus, it was often more about the ability of the musicians, and LEF’s vocals were somewhat low in the mix. Then from third album Ramagehead onwards, it seems like the band have decided to utilize LEF’s amazing voice to the max. 

How best to describe LEF's delivery remains a challenge though. A cross between a modern day Chris Cornell and Jeff Buckley is the accepted definition and one with which I'd agree. Particularly on the more powerful parts on this album, he sounds so much like Cornell it’s unreal, he’s that good. 


With Firehose of Falsehoods, that trend continues. Five songs have been released as singles, but the album seems to have a more up-tempo feel, especially on tracks like Hello Mother, The Other Side and Seven Arms. O.R.k. have clearly decided to rock out more, but don't lose that occasional out of tempo progressiveness. Album highlight Mask Becomes The Face, however, is a bit more melodic, with moodier elements first heard on Ramagehead, and provides a brilliant finish to the album (CD and digital versions have an extra bonus track) 

Would I say that it’s their best album? I think that the dark, moody eeriness of Ramagehead is amazing. As a standalone album though, Firehose Of Falsehoods is very impressive. The musicianship and vocals are top notch, and having only eight tracks, it’s not too long either. A great modern progressive rock record.

Firehose of Falsehoods is released on 21st March via Kscope.
Review by Mick Simpson



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