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On Begin the Begone<\/em>, the sixth album from northern California pop group The Orange Peels<\/strong><\/a>, the group continues to redefine its stylistic parameters while still crafting that winning ear-candy pop with which it has built a solid reputation.<\/p>\n Begin the Begone<\/em> rocks a bit harder than earlier albums like the near-perfect 2020<\/em><\/a>, and while part of that is thanks to the guitar work of John Moremen<\/strong> (also of The<\/strong> Paul & John<\/strong><\/a>, Flotation Device<\/strong><\/a> and who-the-hell-knows how many other fine aggregations), but the increased heaviness is clearly a product of Allen Clapp<\/strong><\/a>‘s songwriting and arrangement ideas as well. The indie aesthetic meets a baroque pop sensibility (see also: Pet Sounds<\/em>, The Polyphonic Spree<\/strong><\/a>) but wraps it in a heavier rock feel, anchored by bassist Jill Pries<\/strong> and drummer Gabriel Coan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In some ways, Begin the Begone<\/em> moves away from the immediacy and hookiness of earlier tunes like the sunshiny power pop of \u201cWe’re Gonna Make It,\u201d weaving a gauzier textured musical tapestry that requires (and rewards) repeated listens. But the group’s uncanny knack for pop confection remains on full display with \u201cEmbers,\u201d which sports not only a lovely Allen Clapp lead vocal but finds Moremen channeling early 1970s George Harrison<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n