Remember When

iTunes Editors’ Notes

The Orwells formed in ninth grade and issued this debut album Remember When barely out of high school. While their mix of garage, indie and punk rock is not unfamiliar, their energy and bratty playfulness is a welcome addition to a grand tradition that includes Keith Moon, Iggy Pop, Dee Dee Ramone, and Sky Saxon (The Seeds). Songs like “Mallrats (La La La),” “All The Cool Kids,” “Suspended” and “Painted Faces and Long Hair” joyfully goof on their youth and on the ridiculous predicaments that occur when one’s hormones are raging and everyone is staying up too late. Singer Mario Cuomo has a naturally divisive stage presence that was highlighted during a controversial appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman, where chaos reigned supreme. The group’s raw exuberance and Cuomo’s moody lead singer weirdness made for genuine fireworks, the same that can be heard throughout this debut album. Vintage organ lurks behind the madness of “Hallway Homicide,” where guitarist Dominic Corso reels off some nasty guitar leads. The blare of unison vocals on the chorus of “In My Bed” is another moment of raw beauty.