Tim Presley has returned with ‘Orange‘, an album that feels like finding a vintage Rickenbacker buried in a time capsule, only to realize it was actually tuned by a space-traveling wizard. Currently out now on Drag City Records, ‘Orange‘ is pure “Shellodic” pop, a term Presley coined that perfectly captures the feeling of a melody being protected by a jagged, fuzzy exterior. With Ty Segall behind the mixing board and on the drum kit, the production is crisp enough to hear every rhythmic hiccup and shimmering guitar chime, making the whole experience feel like a high-definition fever dream. It’s the kind of garage-pop alchemy that manages to be both white-hot and ice-cold at the same time, proving that White Fence is still the undisputed king of the psychedelic cul-de-sac.
The tracklist is a treasure trove of shifty earworms, but three songs truly demand your immediate attention. “Your Eyes” is a jangling masterpiece of black-and-blue-eyed soul that manages to be both intense and smooth, featuring a guitar tone that sprays forth like a refreshing, albeit slightly electrified, shower. Then there is “Unread Books,” a track that channels major John Lennon energy through a distorted, modern lens, creating a hazy summer atmosphere where your heart feels full even if your arms are empty. Finally, “I Came Close, Orange For Luck” serves as the “title” tune, delivering a sunshiny college-rock vibe paired with an eerie falsetto that would make The Smiths do a double-take. It’s kinda like wearing sunglasses at night, it shouldn’t work this well, yet it feels entirely necessary.
Overall, ‘Orange’ is a triumphant “unstill life” that captures the absurdity of existence without losing its sense of fun. Presley’s natty wordplay and ocean-sized desire are on full display, especially on tracks like “I Wanted a Rolex,” proving he can turn self-excoriation into a foot-forward pop tune with ease. Whether he’s reflecting in a shop window on Polk Street or navigating the magik of a tape-saturated studio, the result is a killer record that feels right on time. If you’re looking for an album that offers eleven fleeting glimpses from the other side of the fence, all while keeping your head bobbing to the rhythm of a space-age Kinks, then this is the vibrant, citrus-hued album you’ve been waiting for. Just buy the record… it’s so damn good.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/white_fence_official/
https://whitefence.bandcamp.com/album/orange
https://www.dragcity.com/artists/white-fence