Back in 2020, Chaka Malik said that Orange 9mm, his post-Burn band with Chris Traynor (previously of Fountainhead, later of Helmet and Rival Schools, currently of Bush), planned to release a new song and “maybe” play some shows after Covid lockdowns ended. It’s now a few years later, and we finally have an update, or at least the possibility of one. On Instagram, Chaka posted a picture of himself and Taylor McLam (who joined the band as bassist in 1996 and replaced Traynor on guitar when he left to play in Helmet that same year), writing that they hadn’t seen each other “in a couple of decades” and that they’d “had our first Orange 9mm jam in just as many years. More soon!”
Since Chaka was jamming with Taylor, it seems that he, not Traynor, will be playing guitar with the band at any upcoming shows. As to who might be playing drums and bass, that isn’t hinted at in the teaser; stay tuned.
UPDATE: Chaka has posted a longer statement, confirming the new lineup of the band:
In 1995, [Chris Traynor] 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 [Chris] 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 [Taylor McLam], who joined amazing drummer [Matthew Cross] and I. Flash forward two decades to today. After a long hiatus, super talented and long-time homies [Chris Enriquez] and [Cory Bonfiglio] 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. 💣❤️🙏🏾
Orange 9mm reissued their 1994 self-titled debut EP in 2020, and went on to reissue Tragic and Pretend I’m Human 2021. A reissue of Ultraman vs Godzilla is set to arrive this year.