by Michael Todd
It's not often that Bible study directly informs a music listener. Religion and faith enter into the discussion quite often, sure, but generally by way of the songwriter's subtle hints or overt connections to his or her background, one song at a time.
When Orion Walsh predicates his five-song EP First By Water Then By Fire on a verse from Peter, though, one must consider the passage part and parcel with the music's message:
"But they deliberately forgot that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare."
– 2 Peter 3:5-10
I do not pretend to fully understand what the authors of the Bible meant. As with anything, I make an informed guess, and in the context of this review, what's most important is Walsh's reading and how he uses it to back up his own words.
Alongside the EP, the Bible verse is reflected in the lyrics most clearly in the first track, "Water Then Fire." It's bookended by one person's perspective, beginning with "I know it's how that good book reads, but I know I'll be giving in." When the camera is pulled back, Walsh sings, "History will repeat itself / Like a top upon a wooden shelf / Destined to fall down."
As in the second song, "The First Shall Be The Last," Walsh invokes a false idol in technology. While the sentiment sounds true coming from his vengeful vocal cords, the irony is this EP would not sound so authentic itself without modern recording technology. To his credit, Walsh later includes "Journey of a Spruce Tree," which was first recorded to cassette tape and later joined by drums, bass and organ recorded in studio.
He ends "Water Then Fire" with a turn of phrase – "I know it's how that good book reads, but I know I must not give in." When I heard the song live a couple weeks ago, I took it to mean the song's narrator is refusing to heed the Bible at the end. Such is the danger of picking out one line because it seems to mean the very opposite in consideration of the full set of lyrics.
This internal argument Walsh moderates with his music is just what a dedicated listener needs. The songs he includes on First By Water Then By Fire are polarizing, yes. Four-fifths of the EP are protest songs on their face, sometimes in the demanding second-person perspective. He speaks on the BP oil spill and the Iraq War in "Gulf of Mexico." He promises the second coming in "In One Day."
But a new kind of narrator steps on the stage with "Journey of a Spruce Tree." What used to be my favorite by Walsh (and is now challenged by others on this EP) is a diary written by a piece of wood turned into a guitar.
It's a story worth hearing, but if the music had played second fiddle to the words thus far, the euphonium entrance is a reminder of the music's strength. From the apocalyptic banjo to the raucous guitar solos to the graceful cello, this is a beautifully composed release.
Walsh plays Lincoln Exposed tonight at Duffy's starting at 11 p.m. (He may have some detractors. After all, he is promoting a new EP (for sale) while singing of an evil capitalist society that has started to lose track of God, that solves its problems with war and environmental devastation.) He'll then tour for two months still promoting First By Water Then By Fire.
But no matter what Walsh says, writes, sings or plays, the question of whether this music has value is up to you. And that's one thing that the world can be proud of.
Michael Todd is Hear Nebraska's managing editor. He has also been listening to The Lie by Butler & the Gentlemen and encourages you to revisit or discover it as well. Reach Michael at michaeltodd@hearnebraska.org.