 "Orphans were the name of a Chicago Baseball franchise at the turn of
the last century, and it's the name of a Chicago-based band at the
turn of this one. With four CD's to their name--including their
latest, Cowboyville, the Orphans employ an eclectic
array of instruments to produce an expansive rock sound with strong
rootsy flavors. Bandleader Angelo Santucci has appeared in ASCAP
showcases and has placed songs in nationwide songwriting contests,
and his polish shows on Cowboyville, which cycles through
five numbers with classic structure and melodic invention that only
someone who's made music his vocation could provide."
Highlights include the title track, a tale of escape in which being in
motion is more important than actually getting somewhere; the music
that carries the story has a lonely southwestern twang. "Mick's Dry Throat"
is a simple sketch of an alcoholic wastrel, but the skittering violin
behind the rolling trap drums and chugging guitar adds flesh to the
bare-bones lyrics. The EP wraps with "Pushing Forward," a portrait of
stasis and regret among a worn-out couple, which the Orphans put across
with a simple acoustic backing. With horns, flute, strings, and
mandolin in their arsenal, it's all the more meaningful that they know when
to exercise restraint."
-Noel Murray, Performing Songwriter Magazine
 "A
Clear Moment firmly establishes Santucci as a songwriter who tells
compelling stories. "Another Day Passes" features a hard-hitting
arrangement that skillfully blends electric guitar and violin behind
dramatic vocals. With a similar approach for the intriguing tale of
"On the Run", augmenting the hard rock song with flute and percussion. On
the acoustic title track, "A Clear Moment", he deftly describes an
elderly man reflecting back on his life, creating poignancy where many
songwriters would stumble into maudlin sentiments."
-Terrence Flamm, Illinois Entertainer
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