(c’93-’98) Arno Spires (guitar), Jake Spires (piano), Damian Wilson (vocals), Matt Webb (bass), Omar Hayes (drums).

Formed in ’93 Orphic Soop gigged regularly on the local music scene through ’94. Around this time Wilson was replaced by Mick Hosie and they took the act national. After a gig at the Marquee (c’94) the band signed to Almo. In ’96 the Almo Sounds label released the ‘Groove Dictation’ EP featuring the title track, “Dead By Tomorrow”, “Denied”, and “All I Want to Do”.

“Dead by Tomorrow” appeared on the Pinnacle Independent News label’s Upfront Pinup 2:4 compilation in 1996. In October ’96 they supported Reef for the first four gigs of the Glow tour. The opening track, Here & Now, to their yet to be released album appeared on Kerrang’s compilation CD: Radio Kerrang No.4 in ’97. That album, tiled “23” featured 11 tracks, was produced by David Bottrill, and went out on the Birth label in ’98. That same year the band toured with Deep Purple.

In ’99 “Here & Now” was published in Spain on the Rock Sound Sampler – Volume 11 on the Rock Sound ‎[RSCDE011] and Freeway Ediciones [RSCDE011] labels. While the band are no more, they still get the occasional radio play: http://comeonletsrock.co.uk/2010/01/29/new-year-new-bands-31st-january-2010/.

Tracks:

Dead By Tomorrow:

Orphic Soop graffiti, Paradise Circus, Birmingham
17 June 1996: Orphic Soop along with Sten, supported Nilon Bombers at Splash, The Water Rats, Kings Cross. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
2 November 1996: Orphic Soop headlined a gig at Dublin Castle, Camden, supported by Headcleaner and Night Nurse. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
11 February 1996: Ticket for Apes, Pigs & Spacemen supported by Cecil and Orphic Soop at the Jug of Ale, Moseley. Reportedly, Orphic Soop were replaced by Send No Flowers on the day. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
Orphic Soop appeared at the Ambient Green Picnic, Guildford in 1998. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
Orphic Soop appeared at the Ambient Green Picnic, Guildford in 1998. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
19 September 1997: Orphic Soop headlined Mutley C’s Homegrown, with Lacuna, Leith and Mindwire at the Agincourt, Camberley. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
1994: Orphic Soop were at the Marquee, London. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks
Review of Orphic Soop’s “Groove Dictation” from Music and Media 27 July ’96
Second picture of an unknown woman in front of Deep Purple UK tour poster, with special guests Orphic Soop, pops up.
In May ’99 the University of East Anglia student newsletter called Concrete had an insert titled ‘Century’ looking back at their past. Orphic Soop get a mention, but for how wrong the reviewer was at the time…
Absolutely no idea who she is, but behind her is the Deep Purple UK Tour poster from 1998, with Orphic Soop listed as special guests.
October 1996 gig list. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene Facebook Group
Orphic Soop mailer for 1996. Picture courtesy of David Lapage
Thanks to Lou Irvine for this shot of Orphic Soop
15 February 1997: The Farnham Fusion Festival took place at the Maltings, featuring Alabaama 3, Womb, Beth Orton, Loop Guru, Dr Didg, Orphic Soop, Terminal Head, Redwood,, The Dolman, Pineapple Tribe, Fish Pig, Seed & The Bridge, Decon Prom, Jabanna, Alien Mutation, Peter Sarstedt, Blazing Homesteads, and Past Caring
So, who recalls Radio Kerrang CDs. This one from 1997 features Orphic Soop along with Bush, Human Waste Project, Midget, Cecil, Rachel Stamp, The Pixies, Sepultura, Will Haven, Judas Priest, Dust Junkys, Beekeepers, and Foil