Caeser Pink and The Imperial Orgy- Gospel Hymns for Agnostics and Atheists

ARTIST: Caeser Pink and the Imperial Orgy
ALBUM: Gospel Hymns for Agnostics and Atheists
LABEL: Chief Logan Records
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 2-24-08

Singer and songwriter Caeser Pink and his band, The Imperial Orgy, are supposedly quite controversial, at least according to the promotional material on their own websites. The controversy on this four-song EP seems limited to the faintly provocative juxtaposition of vaguely anti-religious rock songs with gospel-inspired backing singers. If Marilyn Manson is barely shocking people anymore, this is pretty tame stuff indeed. Over-hyped shock value aside, Pink and his band do pump out some solid rock songs. "The Amazing Tenacity of Job and His Brethren" is gospel rock, complete with choir and church organs, with just a hint of Peter Murphy-inspired dandy affectation in Pink's voice. "In Praise of Shadows," despite a title perfect for a moody darkwave song, is raucous and bluesy. "So It Is" is a bit of the odd man out with its tropical reggae vibe, and throws off the pace of things a bit, but "Happy Endings" finishes things off with a country twang that brings this album back to its subversive tent revival roots. It's hard to imagine anyone being really shocked by this, but just the same, it's not a bad little CD. Pink just needs to work harder on promoting his talent as a songwriter and arranger; the focus on his reputation for controversy just distracts people the music.

Visit www.caeserpink.com and www.imperialorgymusic.com for more information.