PLEASE WELCOME TO THE STAGE... ORANGE DOLLS

---By Don Quan Translated by Annie Liu

One of the more pleasing bands on the scene is Kaohsiung's Orange Dolls. Their music could be described as indie-guitar pop, with a sometimes wistful but always melodic sound.
Lead singer/band founder Wama writes the songs and plays rhythm guitar. The other members include Yuco on bass, Leo on lead guitar and Su on drums. The group has performed at some major events--last year's "Say Yes To Taiwan (2/28)" Festival, and more recently the Megaport Festival. No CDs are currently available, but they plan to enter the studio early in 2007.

The band makes music along the lines of Lush or The Ocean Blue, even though a list of their influences wouldn't suggest this. Leo and Su both dig punk rock (and also perform in local punk band Naff Off), citing such favorites as Underworld and Pennywise. Taiwanese indie-hero Cheer Chen is an artist the other band members share an affinity for, but Wama also likes indie-rock such as Pavement, while Yuco prefers Asian bands such as My Little Airport.

When pressed to describe her band's music, Wama is reticent about responding. "I don't really know how to describe it!" Perhaps it is an unfair question for someone who is modest about her craft. For the uninitiated, their sound is built around echoing, jangling guitars, mid-tempo rhythms, subdued bass, and augmented by a sweet voice singing melancholy but beautiful melodies.

All members agree that the independent music situation in the south is not as robust as in Taipei. However, this band's existence certainly adds to the eclectic and growing scene down here, and contributes. Orange Dolls have a sound unlike any other local band, so if you're a fan of melodic, soothing pop rock, seek them out.