Skope Magazine
January 16, 2012
Combining poetry & literature in a music form sums up 'Mordred the QuarterKnown'. Ryan David Orr 's love for classic works goes all the way back to
the memorable stories of King Arthur with Mordred being the son of the
King. Orr describes the overall theme best by stating "shedding darkness and
getting rid of the things that poison us or kill us emotionally and
psychologically." He goes onto say that "we are only perhaps one quarter aware and
in touch with the patterns and processes that make us who we are." Vividly
deep & personal material is clearly evident on Orr's fourth full-length
album as you will find out that this talented singer/songwriter has a lot to
offer from a lyrical, vocal and musical standpoint.
Ryan David Orr's 'Mordred the Quarter Known' has been dubbed as an alt
rock album but there is so much more there. Orr has a wide variety of
influences that ranges from rock & metal to folk and jazz. I even picked up on some
funk with a jolt of funky riffs on the tracks "April, I'm Sure the Stars
Understand" & "If You Want Love". You get a taste of it all by way of Ryan'
s eclectic nature/background and that's what makes this 11-track recording
so good and worthwhile. On the song "Butterfly" Orr is really digging
deep here both vocally & emotionally as you can picture him literally
spreading his wings and flying away. You get a really cool, fan-friendly vibe on "It
's Only You" and then get ready to rock out on "The Ocean I Bleed Before"
. Prepare yourself for a tribal beat while receiving a spiritual 'n'
tender feel on the track titled "Woman".
Orr captures so much here as his words & music will speak to you in large
volumes. He definitely has a voice to be heard and a songwriting ability
that is quite impressive. Throw in the fact that Ryan even displays a Dave
Matthews-esque singing quality, which is pretty rad in my opinion. Ryan David
Orr and the highly recommended 'Mordred The Quarter Known' will grab onto
your attention and hold it all the way through to the end. You will hear
catchy & provocative numbers as Ryan David Orr proves to us that he is a
force to be reckoned with in this music world. You will definitely want to keep
a close eye & ear on this Arizona-based artist! -Jimmy Rae, Skope Magazine