LittleBoyBigHeadonBike, otherwise known as Will Orchard, may just be New England DIY’s most prolific songwriter. The Rhode Island native has roughly 500 songs available online, spread between 99 EPs and LPs. That would make his new album Big Blue Butterflies number 100. Very few artists boast such a wide discography, and even fewer can be proud of all their releases. But that’s what makes this album exceptional. Rich with his usual whimsy — most apparent in the arrangments, which make full use of synths and the harmonica — and embedded with simple and vulnerable lyricism that could give early Death Cab a run for its money, this album shows the portrait of an artist in the midst of maturation. In this release, Orchard is exposed, but he is also careful — these are no random thoughts or loose strings. Once again, through the project LittleBoyBigHeadonBike, Will Orchard has proven that even when things fall apart, a few poignant lyrics may be enough to make the center hold. LittleBoyBigHeadonBike is kicking off a tour with an album release party at Columbus Theatre in Providence on June 28 at 7 p.m. – Lilly Milman, photo by Nicholas Lussier
Stream an exclusive premiere of Big Blue Butterflies below.