B-Side Guys

Released today, “ONES” marks a significant milestone for the Los Angeles-based duo ORNAMENT AND CRIME, comprising Poolside producer Alex Kemp and Grizfolk drummer Bill Delia. This album is a rich tapestry of electronic synth-craft and organic instrumentation, brought to life by a rotating cast of dynamic female vocalists. The result is a collection that oscillates between hazy dancefloor bliss and introspective indie rock, all sprinkled with the right amount of disco glitter and synthpop shimmer.

“ONES” is not just an album; it’s a convergence of diverse musical landscapes. Kemp and Delia have crafted a sonic universe where dance beats meet emotional indie rock structures, creating a sound that’s both immediately gratifying and complexly rewarding. Kemp’s prowess on guitar and bass melds seamlessly with Delia’s skills on synths, drums, and keys, embodying the duo’s collaborative spirit and their experimental approach to music-making.

The album kicks off with “On & On” (feat. Cadeaux), setting the tone with its infectious rhythm and dreamy synths, indicative of the duo’s ability to blend genres effortlessly. The track is a gateway into the world of ORNAMENT AND CRIME, where every beat and melody invites the listener to dance yet introspect.

“I’ll Never Love You” and “The Only Living Girl in LA” further showcase the duo’s knack for creating dancey, yet emotionally charged tracks. The latter, the album’s debut single, is particularly notable for its conga drums, big synths, and Camron Palmer’s vibrant vocals, all riding on an elastic, ’80s-styled bassline. It’s a song that captures the essence of longing and uplift, emblematic of the album’s thematic depth.

“Walking Toward The Sun” (feat. Dana Williams) and “Thinking Of You” (feat. Tiki Lewis) introduce a shift towards more introspective territories, with each track encapsulating unique stories of love, longing, and self-discovery. The featured vocalists bring their distinct flavors to the album, enriching the sonic palette and adding layers to the narrative.

“Give a Little Love” and “Sparks in the Air” (feat. Cadeaux) delve deeper into the dance-pop realm, with the latter standing out for its euphoric chorus and synth-driven arrangements. These tracks embody the album’s ethos of music as a unifying force, a theme that resonates throughout the collection.

The second half of the album, with tracks like “Hold Me Now” (feat. Island Police), “You’re a Mess,” and “Bad Advice,” continues to explore the spectrum of human emotions set against the backdrop of compelling beats and melodies. “You Make Me Feel” and “No Other Lover” further cement the duo’s prowess in crafting songs that are as danceable as they are thought-provoking.

“Feel It All” (feat. Cadeaux) and “Sage” round off the album, bringing the listener full circle. The former is a culmination of the album’s exploration of feeling and experience, while the latter is a reflective piece that leaves the audience contemplating long after the music stops.

“ONES” is a testament to ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s collaborative genius and their ability to create a musical universe that is both diverse and cohesive. The album’s production, helmed by the duo and brought to life in collaboration with their guest artists, is polished yet retains an organic feel that underscores the authenticity of the project.

The album’s thematic exploration of love, loss, growth, and the complexities of human relationships is woven seamlessly into its sonic fabric. Each track serves as a vignette, a snapshot of emotion and experience that, when pieced together, forms a mosaic of the human condition.

In essence, “ONES” is a celebration of diversity and unity, of the myriad ways in which we experience the world and connect with one another. It’s an album that resonates on multiple levels, inviting listeners to dance, reflect, and feel deeply. ORNAMENT AND CRIME have crafted a collection that stands as a beacon in the indie music scene, a work that is sure to captivate and inspire audiences far and wide. As Kemp notes, “ONES” is about three very different people seeing the world in different ways, and this album is a testament to the beauty and power of that collective vision.