It was freezing (as usual) outside SF’s Independent last Friday. Thankfully, Orgone kept the packed venue warm and sweaty inside with funky rhythms, thick bass lines, sexy vocals, and swanky brass melodies. On stage, like old friends jamming together, the nine-member band emulated the upbeat enthusiasm and down to earth cool (that’s not too cool to get down) that their unique sound embodies. Merging old-school funk and jazzy hip swaying grooves with experimental psychedelic undertones, Orgone delivered upbeat funk with a mellow modern swagger.
With such a large instrumental band (guitar, keys, bass, percussion, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, drums) Orgone manages to create a complex sound that engages and yet never overwhelms. Striking the perfect balance between driving grounded sounds and more airy, free flowing vibrations, the ensemble definitely knows how to get people dancing. Their passion for feel-good, dance-y music is no more apparent then in the way they play together. Vibing off each other, their contagious energy ignited an on-stage fire that lit up their audience of glowing, dancing fans.
While each band member played an equally integral part in Friday night’s show, the smooth, passionate voice and fiery stage presence of lead vocalist Fanny Franklin, the only female on stage, deserves special mention. With sexy ease and captivating charisma, this goddess knows how to command a stage. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the good ‘ol days, when live instruments trumped laptop beats, Orgone’s got what you want.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0bMoDUyRxk