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Echo Magazine

Sound Check
Locals Only
by Niki D'Andrea
George Squier Orchestra: S/T

Contrary to what the band's name might imply, nobody named George Squier is in
the band, nor are they really an "orchestra." The band's Web site helps
clarify: "George Squier was a man who had the idea to create piped-in music,
and "his idea led to the establishment in 1922 of the music service Wired
Radio, which is much better known by its present name, given it by Squier
shortly before his death: Muzak."

Of course, the band doesn't really sound like Muzak either, unless the elevator
were in Wonderland and psychedelics were involved. George Squier Orchestra's
sound is more "art rock." It combines robot sounds, flange guitar, strange
synthesizer effects, and simple, danceable pop beats. Strange sounds abound,
and every so often, the ear will draw a surprise out of a GSO song.

The second track on the four-song EP, "Donnie's Dirge," has a strange winsome
country twinge, with an accordion in the background and something that sounds
like a mouth harp. The third song, "Rockin' Nagasaki," includes synthesized
horns, female vocals, 80s new wave synthesizers, and an overall "Surf's Up!"
vibe. The last song, the instrumental "Jubilee," contains kind of a dark, eerie
organ effect on the keyboards and a slightly out-of-tune surf guitar solo.
Funky stuff.

Recommended if you like: They Might Be Giants, Dead Milkmen, Frank Zappa.