Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies

I've been a fan of the Marquez brothers' work for a few years now (in Apple Orchard, Sodajerk, Carnival Park and other fine Filipino pop bands), and this new full length album from them is their most ambitious release yet! They still play bedroom pop, but thanks to improved technology and computer programs, the recording quality here is way better than anything else they've done in the past, with real synths and programming replacing the old casiotone and cassette 4-track. Additionally, it seems as if they paid a bit more attention to detail, as this record lacks any hint of amateurism found on any of their early works (where missed notes or out of tune guitars/vocals were usually left intact). The band's style hasn't changed all that much, so those two points elevate their sound from wistful bedroom pop to something far more elegant and refined, coming even closer to the works of Trembling Blue Stars, Brighter and Sweet William, rather than simply sounding somewhat reminiscent of them. The result is a collection of twelve gentle and somber songs that actually sound as good as they really are...

- Chris McFarlane, Indiepages

Apple Orchard is the Marquez brothers, Ryan and Dale. They hail from the San Francisco area and were (and still might be) fixture on the indiepop list and have been on some others bands as well (Sodajerk, Carnival Park, etc.). It's obvious from listening to Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies that both Field Mice and Trembling Blue Stars are big influences (Brighter, too). Aside from a 7" a year or so ago, I had not heard their stuff but this is really impressive. The first tune, "Unfazed" sounds a lot like something off of Trembling Blue Stars' debut, Her Handwriting but from there, the band seems to find its own voice bit on tunes like the icy "Harsh", the gentle "The Comforts Of Strangers" and the melodic title track (not that I mind when they sound like TBS). This is a perfect record to put on when you're lazing around on a Sunday afternoon. Having this and a nice, comfortable couch is really all you need for the total relaxation.

- Tim Hinely, Dagger

Wow what a magnificent album of hushed epic proportions. I have waited for this album for quite some time and am quite ecstatic to finally be enveloped by it's beautiful dreamy pop melodies, awash with familiar sounds, and a perfect soundtrack for the aimless wanderer.

A few hints at it's brilliance were found in their Humblebee 7" and their Cloudberry 3" CD, the C06 contribution, and their Best Kept Secret releases (keep in mind that Ryan and Dale Marquez are also involved with quite a number of other bands - all very impressive in their own right and cover a variety of styles from Shoegaze, Indiepop, 60's influenced Doo-wop, etc.) but this is a more complete painting and really allows the listener to get lost in the layers, the grooves and the reverb and settle into a wonderful daydream as the sun setting creates the most beautiful sunset as the backdrop. To paraphrase a favourite song of mine - this is music to sit on a park bench in the autumn holding the hand of the one you love, taking in the vibrant colours, and pondering if it can get any better than this (of course you are also listening to Apple Orchard on a shared portable music player). This has the look, the feel and the sound of a record that will remain in your heart and linger through the years with a timeless appeal.

They wear their hearts and influences on their sleeves, but these sleeves are on a fabulous shirt that you will want to wear every day. Inspired by The Trembling Blue Stars, The Sugargliders, Brighter and the Sarah Records compilations - well you couldn't ask for any better influences as any indiepop fan would be only too happy to tell you. You could probably add The Orchids, the quieter moments of One Thousand Violins, Sweet Trip and some Slowdive thrown in the mix and you have a mighty fine recipe for a wonderfully relaxing, blissed out haze, without any additives. If you are finding it a bit too laid back, chances are you are listening to it at an inappropriate time and you are not in the right frame of mind - this is not a nightclub record unless a slow dance in the arms of your loved one is your idea of a good time and better suits a fine drink by the fire on a cold evening or relaxing in the twilight as you drift away into a sweet sleep.

Just don't stay asleep too long, but keep an eye on the cool new record label that Ryan and Dale have started, Haymarket Recordings as there are lot more exciting recordings planned which you will not want to miss. They will also have a quest appearance on tribute compilation coming out soon, but more about that later, as I don't want to give it all away.

Very well done!

- Wally Salem, The Beautiful Music

Summer Memories

Is what sparked Apple Orchard, if I've understood it correctly. Probably the only band ever to name themselves after a Bouquet song. They've never sounded very summery though, despite living in sunny California. And if so it's bound to be a summer shut in a small bedsit, which is where Ryan and Dale recorded their music. The lo-fi character has always shaped their sound.

But now, when I put on their first longplayer Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies (that should have come out over a year ago if you ask me) it's hardly the same band, or rather it is a band for the first time. Apple Orchard have never been brilliant musicians or recording artists, but it was the little peculiarities that made me love them. There's nothing askew about this album though, and don't get me wrong, this is of course a good thing. And the fact that when Ryan starts singing on opening track "Unfazed" I thought it sounded exactly like Trembling Blue Stars will probably make them proud. Apple Orchard aren't trying to be original, of course they want to sound like their favourite bands - we all do - but this is about Ryan's songs - and not everyone writes them quite like he does.

They've really developed the soundscapes. Just waiting around, trying to get the album released, probably left them plenty of time to work on the finish, the mixing and the mastering. It definitely sounds like a record that's been fussed over at least. Some of these songs have appeared elsewhere before, in other guises. I gave up trying to track down all the songs that have, because of the wealth of Apple Orchard material, but at least I think I've heard "Unfazed", "I Can't Feel Sorry" and "The Saddest, Perfect Ending" before. And of course "Midnight Stars and Kisses" is a re-recording of the b-side from their first single - the brilliant (and still available) "A Hiding Smile".

The new sound is also an effect of more prominent keyboards on most songs, which give the whole record a languid, warm feel not dissimilar to that on California Snow Story's record from last year. And the odd guitar jangle here and there is always appreciated, especially now that you can actually hear that Ryan owns a Rickenbacker! These new horizons of course leave me wanting to hear more of those old songs in high fidelity... But the fact that the album is made up mostly of new songs is a sign of integrity more than anything. Apple Orchard had some great upbeat tunes, like my old favourites "Don't Pretend" and "Bed & Breakfast"! Here, mid-tempo is the most we're treated to and my favourite on the record is "Dreaming (As the Summer Fades)".

- Krister Bladh, Heaven Is Above Your Head

Like the Wake and the Field Mice, it's hazy music that comforts on overcast days. Title subtly spot-on, as a matter of fact. I'll probably have more to say in a bit, but I only got this yesterday.

- Alexander Bailey, Radio Khartoum via the indiepop list

Apple Orchard released Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies on cd earlier this year. It's their first full-length, following an impeccable series of 7", cassette and compilation releases on Popgun, Humblebee, Cloudberry and Best Kept Secret among others. It's a very beautiful and gentle record, it's impossible to listen without falling into a dream state, with a faraway look in your eyes, you'll drift somewhere peaceful inside and you won't want to come back. I wonder if this record could help babies fall asleep? Stated influences The Field Mice and Brighter are recognisable particularly in Ryan Marquez's vocal delivery.

- Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams

Despite the layered instrumentation and the impressively tight playing, the songs in Apple Orchard's first record remain spacious, blithe, and consistent in its painfully slow cadence. If FHM didn't know better, we'd think the California-based Filipino duo were deprived of happiness and sunshine - yes, it's that sad a record. It may as well be the sonic equivalent of break-up hugs. It's solid. (4 stars)

- FHM Philippines

Verweise auf die band Apple Orchard gab es im klienicum bereits. U.A. als wir Humblebee Recordings vorstellten, bei denen die jungs aus Richmond eine single veröffentlicht hatten. Außerdem brachten sie eine 3er auf Cloudberry heraus, so dass sie immer wieder ins blickfeld rücken mussten. Für eine größere bestandsaufnahme hat das alles noch nicht gereicht. Nun kommen sie aber erwachsen daher. Denn mit 'Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies' erscheint ihr erstes full length auf Haymarket Recordings. Zu kaufen bekommt man das album übrigens ganz einfach bei Vollwert Records.

Träumerische musik erwartet den Apple Orchard kunden. Melancholie, auf silbernen tabletts dargeboten, die sich, will man sie sich greifen und anteil haben, sodann in luft auflöst und einen als trugbild schwindend verwirrt zurücklässt. Doch immer wieder locken verzückende, helle klare töne und machen neugierig. Eine blinkende fata morgana. Die brüder ryan und Dale Marquez haben gut zwei jahre an ihrem debut gebastelt und fertigten zwölf songs, die in ihrer lieblichkeit zeitlos sind. Getragen werden sie von schwelgerischen keyboard sounds, depressiv angeschlagenen gitarren und dem zurückgenommenen gesangsbild.

Der sound kommt nicht von ungefähr. Ryan begann zunächst solo zu musizieren, vor allem inspiriert durch Sarah Records compilation. später ging ihm sein bruder zur hand, der bereits in diversen indiekapellen talent und durchhaltevermögen erprobte. Letzteres werden beide brauchen."

- Das Klienicum ( Google Translate this )