Yes, yes, there are many bands that descend outward and are influenced in a myriad of ways by a certain band (Neurosis), some more so than others. And still, of those bands, some speak more on their own than others or are more unique. Overmars is just one of those bands that while yes they do owe some to that band, they bring uniqueness and a different take or perspective (if you will) to the table. A large outfit that sometimes can reach eight members in a live situation, Overmars harnesses multiple vocalists (both female and male) to tie their musical vision together. In a live setting, they are an impressive act to behold (so if you ever get a chance to see them, go). Born Again is their second full-length and consists of one giant track that blows by at roughly the forty minute mark.
As exceedingly difficult as writing an album consisting of one song, Overmars pulls it off well with Born Again. With multiple vocalists, male and female, the band does offer quite a bit of variation with the alternating vocals (with screaming, bellowing, and cleaner singing styles all mixed together) that keep the song moving in a completely organic manner; this song definitely does not sound like the band struggled to write something this massive but seemingly came together in a rather natural manner. The music is intense with a relatively standard variety of instrumentation (multiple guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and other assorted electronic manipulation); the tempo ebbs and flows as does the loudness and softness which both peak and valley like a wave in the ocean. At times the track is hypnotic with what feels like an undulating rhythm specifically written to entrance listeners in its bass-y sound while at other times the song gives off more of a feel of a brooding menace.
As impressive as this album is in the recorded form, what truthfully sold me on Overmars was their awesome live performance of "Born Again." Maybe because I had the opportunity to witness the song in a live setting, I have a better appreciation for the emotional release that this song sounds to be; but the song sounds great with a crisp sounding production where one can hear all the instruments and voices and other assorted noises clear as day. In any case, Born Again made me search out everything that Overmars has recorded up to this point; it is quite possible that the record will have a similar affect on any person that checks this album out for themselves.
