In a post to Instagram, legendary New York City band Orange 9mm has reformed with a new lineup for 2024. Although no firm plans have been announced as yet, we’d expect shows and festival appearances could be plentiful, and hopefully new music. A seperate post touted at least a new song and “maybe some shows!” Originally formed in 1992 by Chaka Malik (Burn, Ghost Decibels), joined by returning guitarist Taylor McLam, along with new additions drummer Chris Enriquez (Spotlights, Total Meltdown, On The Might of Princes, Julie Christmas, Lightower, Burn), and bassist Cory Bonfiglio (Total Meltdown). The posts also shouted out integral past members of the band, such as Chris Traynor (ex-Helmet, Rival Schools, now of Bush fame). Orange 9MM released a demo via Revelation Records and three albums, including top-tier mid-1990s releases Driver Not Included (East-West Records) in 1995 and Tragic (Atlantic Records) in 1996. You can read public posts from the band and Chris below!
From the Orange 9mm account (go follow it!)
In 1995, @ct3guitar and I embarked on a journey to take our hardcore influences to a new place. Tribe Called Quest, Screaming Trees, and Smashing Pumpkins were the influence. We didn’t sound like those bands, but we took inspiration from each. As time marched on @ct3guitar was called to do other things in order to continue to express his musicality. Today, his amazing riffs lay the groundwork for #GavinRossdale’s iconic voice. Grace/The Universe gave the band incredible multi-instrumentalist @taylormclam, who joined amazing drummer @dont_forget_the_snuggle and I. Flash forward two decades to today. After a long hiatus, super talented and long-time homies @chrisenriquezdrums and @drinktoremember join Taylor and I on drums and bass, respectively. Thanks to Matthew Cross, Chris Traynor, Larry Gorman, Davide Gentile, and Eric Rice for helping to build the foundation that @orange9mmnyc will continue to uphold and possibly grow on. Thanks to Chris V. and Greg as well. Stay tuned. Much appreciation, and thanks for listening. One Love. 💣❤️🙏🏾
From Chris:
In case ya haven’t already heard or figured it out, I am playing drums for one of my favorite bands ever, @orange9mmnyc 🧡
My best friend @conradmata played me their debut EP, ‘Driver’ on @revelationrecords and their LP, ‘Driver not included’ in like 1995 along with other great NYC post hardcore that became the soundtrack to my mid to late years of high school. I imagined moving to NYC from Long Island and this as the soundtrack as I was bullied every day for being a punk. Wild to join the band like 29-30 years later. Their music is still relevant and timeless. ‘Tragic’ is amazing and ‘Pretend I’m Human’ is so ahead of its time! @ct3guitar is a legend who wrote amazing songs and @dont_forget_the_snuggle is one hell of a drummer! @david_gentile108 was unreal on the bass. All the players who laid the foundation for this band greatly inspired me to be the player I am today and I plan on honoring all of their work to its purest form so that the fans can enjoy seeing the band rip through classics once we start playing shows. Stay tuned and follow the band’s IG for updates! Thank you @ghost_decibels and @taylormclam for welcoming me into the band. I played briefly in @burn_nyc w/ Chaka, so it’s a treat to now be able to do this too. Last but not least, my very good friend and bandmate in @totalmeltdownnyhc is absolutely ripping it up on the bass 🙌
Let’s do this 🧡🧡🧡
#orange9mm #nyhc #chakamalik #chrisenriquez #chrisenriquezdrums