Well, I've know Dale and Ryan for quite some time. I first discovered this duo on humblebee recordings one fateful day in 2006. When I first heard ' A Hiding Smile', I was pretty much in love with their music. I never did get my hands on their first tape, but the mp3s were great. With each new release by Apple Orchard it seems that their sound is changing into something even greater. Their beginning efforts were in the likes of st. christopher, sweet william, and the field mice to name a few. They had their drum machine beats, and jangly guitars. Then, When I listened to ' Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies', I noticed there was a change. Apple Orchard moved away from their early beginnings of jangly guitars and hiss tape sound. They did some experimenting with sounds of The Radio Dept, and early shoegaze bands. It's weird, because this particular album of theirs really grew on me. As for their brand new 'Leafy Lanes' Ep, I think it is amazing. They became even louder, and I was hinting Teenage Fanclub, My Bloody Valentine, and early shoegaze. The opening track ' hit or miss' shows Apple Orchard's shoegaze roots. The guitars have become a bit louder, and one could compare it to Jesus and Mary Chain. The second song ' Fall Fast' is a really great track. The opening drum machine, and My Bloody Valentine-esque guitars and sound. It sent chills down my spine, and much like any other band that I enjoy, this duo had me craving more. The other tracks are a mix of their earlier jangle pop. Think of St. Christopher, Trembling Blue Stars, and The Field Mice. The fourth track ' Near-Perfect', is a more jangly one, and it is a memory of their C-86 days. This track proves to show they haven't entirely strayed away from their jangly sound. This is a great EP, and I suggest to anyone purchase this EP before it is gone. It is a limited release, and it is to show what is yet to come from this great duo.
