ORGY Review @ Mojoes – Joliet, IL

March 31, 2015

Review by Dan Scheiman

Orgy was formed in 1994 and the band sold nearly 2 million copies of their debut album, Candyass. They took a break in 2005, then gathered all new members in 2010 except for singer/songwriter Jay Gordon.

With their last album released in 2004 it has been some time since we’ve gotten anything new from Orgy, but nonetheless, there were plenty of die-hard fans at Mojoes ready to sing every word.

When they were at their peak they had a well deserved cult following similar to that of Korn, Nine Inch Nails, and Marilyn Manson. With aspects that are comparable to each of these bands, it was hard on a lot of fans to see them break up for as long as they did.

From the looks of it, the newest members picked up right where the others left off. With Jay moving all across the stage smiling with and hugging every member individually, it was clear that there was great chemistry among them all.

As the concert progressed the crowd began to warm up more and more. The driving drum and bass beneath the incredibly noisy and expressive guitar work was something to be heard. They layered the pulsating feeling of industrial music with the raw unfiltered grind of punk and rock genres all into one. The track that seemed to really get people moving was “Stitches” off their first album.

At the end of this and every other track Jay would demand the crowd give him more energy and scream louder. This made for a rambunctious crowd come the end of the show.

Ending the show with “Blue Monday,” it was clear that the entire audience knew this hit like the back of their hand. Members from the previous bands came on stage as well to share the mic as the whole venue was chanting the lyrics.

With an abrupt but somber end, there was nothing left but a ringing in my ears and a pounding in my chest. This was an intense and very in your face concert with a pleasant taste of nostalgia mixed in.

Photos by Nicci Allen