Singles Spotlight:
Orillia – “Little Kid”

Hello reader,

How are you?

Today, we’re excited to discuss another singer-songwriter who is making some fantastic music: Orillia. A year ago, Chicago-based artist Andrew Marczak, under the moniker Orillia, released his self-titled debut album, Orillia, and this January, he penned an essay that we were happy to share—read it if you haven’t. According to Oriilia’s Bandcamp bio, “His debut record, which was tracked live at Jamdek in his hometown of Chicago, marries the quotidian poetry of Sam Shepard with the sparkling twang of 90s alt-country.”  Those who have listened would agree. Those who haven’t, check out that debut!

And recently, on Friday, October 24th, via Far West Records, Marczak released his second Orillia album, Fire-Weed (stylized FIRE-WEED). It’s an album that ranges from more sparse folk-sounding songs to ones with a larger band, on the verge of rock melodies like the bangers, “Weather,” and “Hoyt Axxton” songs that feature a lot of twang and refrain and alt vibes, and “Rich Chicago People,” a song full of attitude and commentary that reminds me of Britpop and R.E.M. in the best ways.

Marczak accomplished this full band sound by enlisting six-piece Local Memory (Amy Myers, Nico Ciani, Matt Ciani, Nicole Murray, Lucas Chamberlain, and Lydia Cash) as the backing band. The album also included Dylan Sage on banjo, and Marczak’s partner, Peach (they/them), on vocals. The final track, “Oreo Ice Cream,” is a group harmony where every member of the nine-piece group joined in on vocals. It’s another great song to listen to on this album—credit to George Rezek of Future Crib, who engineered and mixed the record.

That being said, in my opinion, after listening to the album a few times, the best song on FIRE-WEED is “Little Kid.” I think it’s the best introduction to Orillia’s music, especially within this album, so that’s the single that we’re going to spotlight today. From the opening strums of the guitar strings introducing you to the mood of the song, melancholy and reflective, to the first notes on the drum kit, this song begins so damn strongly. It continues with Orillia’s first vocals delivered to match the twang and pacing familiar within ’90s alt-country songs. Amy Meyers from Local Memory, with her softer vocal tone, pairs perfectly with Marczak’s louder, but at times strained, tenor. The gentle banjo plucks from Sage add to the mood, as does Cash’s fiddle playing. It’s a gem of a song, one that will stick with you, listener, as you listen again and again.

Take a listen and form your own opinions. “Little Kid”:

(All credits and rights to Orillia)

The cover art for FIRE-WEED:

The FIRE-WEED Tracklist:

1. Shot of Malört [00:59]
2. Weather [3:54]
3. Rich Chicago People [3:02]
4. Little Kid [3:10]
5. Later in the Evening [1:50]
6. In the Shadow of the Pines (Traditional) [5:13]
7. Hoyt Axxton [4:26]
8. My My [2:04]
9. Oreo Ice Cream [3:22]

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com