In a land full of metalcore and punk rock bands, Orange County is not necessarily known for its jam band scene. However, Underground Orchestra is looking to change that with their newest release “Active Ingredient”.

The quintet is strictly instrumental, and blends various genres of music, which should make for an adventurous trip through the jam rock scene for years to come. The band takes their musical influences from such luminaries as Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, definitely has its own identity that fits well into the roots rock world.

On “Active Ingredient”, the band rips through the 10 track album, and shows some funky middle eastern stylings on songs like “Dahab”, as well as more Santana-style jams on “Sock It”. Guitarist Sami Feldman provides interesting guitar and even mandolin on tracks such as “Fountain of Youth”. You can tell that this guitarist was heavily influenced on the jam heavy guitar sound of the early and mid-70’s. Keyboardist Vaughn Minassian provides mellow and intricate flare on “Swirl” and “Raw Feelin’”.

Underground Orchestra has been touring around the L.A. area for the past few years, and may change the idea of what most music fans think about L.A.. The band recently won the “Best Jam Band” award at the Orange County Music Awards, and is taking their show across the country. The band has been touring with other jam bands such as Tea Leaf Green, and ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) in nationwide jaunts. Underground was the only West Coast band to play at the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Minnesota this past year, in a sea of northeast and Midwestern bands.

The band will continue touring into 2007, and if the band makes it into the Detroit area, Detroit Buzz will surely give you the heads up on their show. But if you are in the mood for some mind and genre-bending material, then Underground Orchestra might have the “Active Ingredient” for you.

Check out a sample at undergroundorchestra.com

Or, you can email me at arthatesyou@detroitbuzz.com