Cleveland–Akron trio Orange Animal have pivoted toward a quieter, far more contemplative sound on their latest EP, ‘Place For Me’. Released via Paper Garden Records following their signing in March, this collection marks a noticeable evolution from their earlier work on 2024’s ‘Still Frames’ and 2025’s ‘Sweet Heartache’. Rather than relying on full-throttle energy, frontman John Ramsey, bassist Bill Derivan, and drummer Adam Thurman lean into a hushed, melancholic atmosphere that lingers long after the final note fades.
The title track leads the charge with an understated acoustic framework, pairing subtle basslines and steady, gentle drumming with Ramsey’s weathered, authentic vocals. Accompanied by a brooding visual narrative portraying two people drifting apart while remaining physically near one another, the song captures the quiet ache of fading connections. As Ramsey puts it, "It’s really just an imperfect plea to be remembered by someone you love."
Recorded at Suma Recording Studio, the isolated environment heavily shaped the record's solitary, rustic tone. "The studio is out in the woods. We lived there, spent the night there, fully immersed in the process," Ramsey shares. That deep immersion translates directly into the music’s stark, unhurried pacing. Speaking on the release's thematic weight, Ramsey explains, "By and large, the songs are quiet and slow. The whole EP is kind of sad," adding, "But it ends with a stubborn conviction to simply hold on."
Ramsey’s approach to songwriting remains instinctual rather than overly calculated. "It’s less of an inspired venture. It’s not that fancy. I just hear something and put it down. But once I hear it, it becomes a compulsion. And sometimes, like with these songs, it scrapes off large parts of me."
That raw emotional weight is grounded by his long-time collaborators. "Bill (bass) and Adam (drums) have been with me from the beginning. For nearly a decade they’ve been willing to go with me on every adventure." While the intentionally sparse arrangements might feel a bit too subdued for listeners seeking high-tempo indie hooks, the trio’s undeniable synergy ensures every quiet moment lands with purpose.
Track down Orange Animal across their website and Facebook to follow their journey.
