the Orbans, Belle Adair, Walker Lukens & The Sidearms

Formed in 2008, The Orbans from Fort Worth, TX have combined a "do it yourself" indie attitude with a very unique style of pop music that is not afraid to show a little twang. That year, the band released a well received debut EP titled Switchblade Waterpistol and began touring regionally in support of the release. With their debut full length album produced by Adam Lasus, The Orbans have moved into 2011 with a firm answer for all of their efforts.
Recording "When We Were Wild" was an intense experience for The Orbans. The initial attempt to record in the spring of 2009 seemed to be missing something and the recordings were set aside. The band regrouped and contacted Producer Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Yo La Tengo, Clem Snide). The band first met Lasus when he helped mix the Switchblade Waterpistol EP in 2008. After discussing the goals and expectations for the record, it was collectively decided to record the album live. They began looking at studios and found the perfect spot in Austin, Tx at Cedar Creek Recording. The large space allowed for the isolation required to have the band play together and record live. Adam and the band were also drawn to the vintage gear housed at Cedar Creek and it didn't hurt that Uncle Tupelo had recorded Anoydyne there in the same manner, with the band all playing at once. From the pre-production days spent at a house around Lake Austin to the playback of the first takes on tape at Cedar Creek, the entire team realized that something special was happening. The vibe and energy continued through the sessions at Cedar Creek and into Fireproof Recording, Adam's studio in Los Angeles. Nearing the end of what had been such an amazing time for both Adam and the band, it seemed like the obvious choice that they should title the record When We Were Wild.

"Belle Adair's shifting, ambient music reveals a diversity of influence and an unwillingness to be pigeonholed. Deft navigation between existential grappling and lulling instrumentals is a trademark of the group's ambition: sophistication without pretension. The Brave and the Blue is a promising debut that leaves us looking forward to more."

—-The Oxford American

"The Brave and the Blue glows with a deep, dusky aura. It's an ambitious collection of genre-straddling tunes."

—-Spin

"…here in Alabama, there are bands like Belle Adair doing this kind of dreamy sound that has a connection to roots music but isn't directly derivative…It fits in really nicely with the new South sound."

—-NPR Music

"The Brave and the Blue packs a hefty punch. It's filled with songs that are brimming with sincerity and emotionality that's embellished with rich instrumentation and atmosphere."

—-Paste