Black Tangerine

The poppy, hum-inducing, delightfully danceable and retro-influenced Black Tangerine recently rose from the ashes of the prominent Portland band Water. Now, with a new CD hot off the press and a new lineup, Black Tangerine fulfills the promise of it's accomplished predecessor: it's muscular attitude and a shiny top-40 sound. Black Tangerine plays simple, rather unadorned and unadulterated, good ol' fashioned rock 'n' roll with serious pop melodic fireworks. They combine elements as diverse as Classic Rock, Brit Rock, power pop from the 80's and New Wave to form a sound as ageless as it is unabashedly "retro". Black Tangerine's brand of rock in it's purest form puts them in the same categories as similarly timeless and diverse bands as Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, The Replacements, or even The Hives or The Killers. Like all those bands (many of which Black Tangerine members consider influences), you'll also hear heavy reminders of early 80's radio with bands like The Fixx, The Tubes or Journey coming to mind. Still, their hummable melodies stand on their own throughout time - as relevant now as they would have been if released in recent decades. Drummer/vocalist Rob Elliot and guitarist/vocalist Eric Worley helped lead Portland audiences to Water, performing with many national acts such as Soul Asylum, Eve 6, Dave Perner and Garbage. The group also garnered much praise from local critics as well as staunch support from KINK's Kevin Welch, who has put them on the air. Self-professed fans included Art Alexakis and even Andrew Dice Clay. Bassist Dean Mueller has played extensively in the Northwest blues and rock world with locals such as Big Monti, Curtis Salgado, Jimi Bott, Robbie Laws and Lloyd Jones. He's also played with some of his own national heroes over the years, such as Honeyboy Edwards, Phil Wiggins, John Cephas, Rich Delgrosso, Lightnin' Wells and Louisiana Red. Guitarist Steve Sarber brings a hefty sound and technical adeptness to the band, as well as a varied background in rock and country. He has opened for nationals such as Head East, Mitch Ryder, Chris LeDoux and Colin Raye.