Smashing Orange

The original Smashing Orange lineup gained international cachet and critical attention thanks to a glorious reception from the London scene centered around bands such as Ride, Lush, and My Bloody Valentine, and trendsetting publications like NME and Melody Maker. Smashing Orange were just as majestic as Ride and My Bloody Valentine, but rocked harder, often channeling an intensity similar to '60s garage rock legends like The Chocolate Watchband and The Electric Prunes.

Comprised brother and sister Rob (guitar) and Sara Montejo (both, vocals), together with Rick Hodgson (guitar), Tim Supplee (drums) and Stephen Wagner (bass). The band was formed in Wilmington, Delaware, USA in 1990 where the five band members worked together at a local record store. Their debut single, 'My Deranged Heart', was released in April 1991, and was followed a month later by an eponymous, fuzz-drenched album which elicited comparisons with the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Loop. However, in truth Smashing Orange had much greater pop sensibility than most of their ostensible co-peers, and had they had the fortune to go with their talent would have been huge. Sadly, however, after the release of two further albums, 'The Glass Bead Game' (1993) and 'No Return In The End' (1994), their record label went bust and the band promptly disappeared. Sara is not present in 'No Return in the End,' and Andy Kravitz replaced Supplee on drums.

Rob Montejo went on as the principle member of Love American Style and My Wig Is On, but has recently resurfaced as a member of The Sky Drops, who have recently released their debut EP, "Clouds of People." Three of the five songs on the EP can be downloaded from their MySpace page.

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