Clem Castro, who has provided vocals, does the lead guitars and is composer of many of the songs of Orange and Lemons, has finally broken his silence amidst reports he has left the band just as the promotion of their second album “Moonlane Gardens” has kicked off.
His statement, posted on his personal blog, read: “The recent ballyhooed misunderstanding between me and my band mates including No Seat Affair and Universal Records has yet to reach a conclusion.
”I’m sorry if it took me a while to post anything official since I am still trying to assess the situation and settle our differences. Time is a very important element. I assure you that this is not a publicity gimmick.”
Clem also said that he has joined Orange and Lemons’ scheduled performances in the United States, which began last July 29 in San Diego and will culminate on August 11 in Las Vegas.
He hopes fans will not cease in their support. “Our album Moonlane Gardens is still available and I hope, despite of the dust-up, you and your friends/family will not deprive yourselves of that unique listening experience and pleasure one can only get from Orange and Lemons. After all we are only but human and we do make mistakes as well. Mistakes that are sometimes huge and there is nothing left to do but accept, pick ourselves up, learn from it and be a better person.”
And so the music goes on for Orange and Lemons, whose nearly magical crossover from indie to mainstream is an outstanding success story in the Pinoy band scene.
In Orange and Lemons’ new “Moonlane Gardens” album from Universal Records, the band’s awesome musical transformations will be heard and seen.
The carrier single, “Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad” is one concrete proof. The song’s melodic sensitivity handsomely jives with its lyrical sensibility.
Aside from Clem, other members of Orange and Lemons are Mcoy Fundales (vocals, rhythm guitars) formed Orange and Lemons in July 1999. The two have always been a tandem, so it would definitely sadden fans to see Clem go.
On the other hand, brothers JM Del Mundo (bass) and Ace Del Mundo (drums), later joined in on February 2003. From the start, the band cultivated a distinctly English image, while blending Filipino values in their songs.
Their indie beginnings with the release of “Love In The Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream” had already attracted rave reviews and a big following. A much bigger commercial success welcomed Orange and Lemons into the mainstream fold, when their second album “Strike Whilst The Iron Is Hot”, turned platinum while spawning monster hits like “Pinoy Ako”, “Hanggang Kailan”, “Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown) and “Abot Kamay”.
A unique aural excursion is in store for music lovers in Orange and Lemons’ “Moonlane Gardens,” as it provides a limitless space of enjoyment and contemporary discoveries on love, life and existence.