Orange 9mm have released “Turn It Up,” their first new single since 1999. The song marks a concrete step forward for the reactivated New York City post-hardcore band, whose last recorded material dates back to the Pretend I’m Human era.
No further album details have been disclosed, but the band’s recent activity suggests more is in motion.
The current lineup includes original frontman Chaka Malikand guitarist Taylor McLam, who joined during the recording of Tragic in 1996. They’re now backed by drummer Chris Enriquez (Spotlights, On the Might of Princes) and bassist Cory Bonfiglio (Total Meltdown). The new track debuted live at a New York City show opening for Refused and Quicksand and has now surfaced in studio form.
The band previewed the release on Instagram with a loose, self-aware note: “Fuck. Shit goes by fast. Time flies. Time to fly again. What’s the new wave from Orange9mm??? Heard the band is now @ghost_decibels @taylormclam @chrisenriquezdrums @drinktoremember Heard @mikesaes blessed us with the handstyle on the cover, overlaying #JohnMockus photo. Heard this new wave from @orange9mmnyc starts now with a new joint called ‘Turn It Up!’”
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Musically, “Turn It Up” leans into the band’s signature blend of post-hardcore, alt-metal, and groove-laced rhythms. The funk-infused backbone remains intact, echoing their mid-’90s sound without sounding like a mere retread.
The band also contributed a reworked version of “Pretend I’m Human” to the upcoming Dogs of Hope compilation from Iodine Recordings. The benefit record features exclusive tracks from acts including Snapcase, Walter Schreifels, Killswitch Engage, Jeromes Dream, and more. All proceeds go to Randolph County Animal Shelter in Wedowee, Alabama.
They’ll also appear this week at one of the two Rich Hall benefit shows in Brooklyn, playing the Friday (June 13) date at Warsaw alongside From Autumn To Ashes, Harvest, Kiss It Goodbye, Skycamefalling, and others.
Last year’s reunion set at the NYC Tattoo Arts Convention focused on older material from Driver Not Included and Tragic, with no new songs performed.
