THE DEADLY SYNDROME “THE ORTOLAN” DIM MAK

First impressions count, and this is why the Deadly Syndrome did well to make debut The Ortolan as shamelessly exuberant as their shows. The band’s wet-behind-the-ears vigor is their greatest asset. Although The Ortolan is rough around the edges, it’s remarkable that a band just over a year old can deliver a record this consistent and sophisticated. It’s filled with subtle, unexpected contrast: opener “Eucalyptus” establishes the tone as a cutesy xylophone melody becomes anything but when offset by a sturdy rhythm section; similarly, the goofball “Animals Wearing Clothes” is quickly reined in by intelligent lyrics. Christopher Richard’s vocals are impressively dynamic—imagine Tim Buckley, without the hippie noodling. It’s worth mentioning that the Deadly Syndrome collaborate on every aspect of their songwriting—and it’s certainly paid off. The Ortolan adds up to more than the sum of its parts.