Executive Order’s “A to Z” is a stirring new rock song from the Honolulu, Hawaii based trio. Led by front man Joseph Olson, the band has made considerable strides forward with this single thanks to many factors. Its unique synthesis of various styles, however, is the song’s chief strength. There are pop inclinations heard in the chorus and overall vocal arrangement. You can discern them, as well, in the tone Olson adopts for the performance. These elements seamlessly blend with the song’s strong rock pedigree. Rich Elg’s guitar has enough crunch to satisfy even the biggest hard rock fans and bubbles over with multiple influences. Blues and flash alike are present in his playing, but the latter never comes self-indulgently. His flourishes are fully functional.
WEBSITE: https://www.executiveordermusic.com/
Olson’s voice, despite its commercial appeal, carries enough weight to be a convincing rock singer. The vocal arrangement is something they have put a lot of time into, you can hear it, but it has an effortless glide throughout the entirety of the cut. It is always a hallmark of either an important band or solo performer when they can make hard work sound like it emerged full-born and with minimum effort.
It is part of an overall confidence running through the track. “A to Z” may not be perfect, some listeners may find fault with the song, but it certainly brims with self-assurance. It sounds as if the band entered the studio certain of what they wanted to accomplish with this track. There’s no hesitation dragging the song down. The drumming is rock solid and bass player James Anthony Hewahewa Christian locks in early while dropping in some tasty fills along the way. Those moments are like the guitar playing, however – Christian never goes overboard and his bass parts enhance the song rather than sounding ornamental.
Olson is a talented writer, as well. The lyrics for “A to Z” are a twisting gymnastic trick for even the most talented vocalists but Olson’s unerring delivery manages to convey his message with absolute clarity. The production for “A to Z” is outstanding. The focus never favors one instrument over the other and has immediacy from the get-go that never wavers. These musicians know what a quality rock song demands and readily supply it.
It’s a great single for All Bleed Red. It works just as well as a standalone effort, however, but there’s no question it’s a fiery introduction to their gifts. Executive Order achieve an easy yet crackling chemistry that few bands are lucky enough to grasp. It will serve them well for years to come. It isn’t difficult, after hearing “A to Z”, believing this band will be around for a long time. They have all the necessary attributes. Songwriting, musicianship, and a powerful sound will figuratively grab any listener by the throat and not let go. It’s a breathtaking and hard-hitting ride that never overstays its welcome. It’s my first go-around with this band, but I can promise it will not be my last.
Claire Uebelacker