Sparks on a String

When you close your eyes and listen to Orbiter, you get the idea that you just might wake up in a lounge in Dayton, OH, or the airport bar at O'Hare, sipping on a cocktail and wondering how you got there. That would probably be fine with the band as you have to suspect that their music is probably better suited to cocktails than watered-down PBR at rock clubs. The basis for this laid-back and bright pop is the series of sounds and beats created by Harris Thurmond (ex-Hammerbox) and producer Tucker Martine. Thurmond also contributes some varied and very tasty guitar parts on Sparks on a String, in addition to playing occasional Clyde to the Bonnie that is main vocalist Fiia McGann (ex-Goodness). McGann sounds great, able to alternate between sweet and sultry. She exudes a doe-eyed wonder at the world around her and yet seems to know the difference between appearances and reality. This is a very cool record, its coolness defined by slinky melodies and the distinctive voices of Thurmond and McGann. And like their previous record, Mini LP, features a variety of tempos and melodies, yet is able to maintain its cohesiveness by the strength of the songs.