Overcalc
Fruits of the Decision Tree
Sleeping Giant Glossolalia (2024)
Some instrumental records create atmosphere while others create movement. Fruits of the Decision Tree feels like it creates an entire environment. It’s unstable, mechanical, strangely beautiful, and constantly in motion. The solo project of Nick Skrobisz (Multicult, The Wayward), Overcalc exists somewhere between electronic experimentation, prog-level guitar precision, ambient drift, and full on sci-fi hallucination. Trying to pin it cleanly … Read more
Overcast
Reborn to Kill Again
Metal Blade (2008)
I would say ninety percent of the fans of the current bands (Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Seemless) that the members of Overcast are in weren't even out of diapers when these metalcore rippers were originally in action. While the members have seen significant success with their current musical endeavors, it is the time spent crammed into a van touring the … Read more
Overmars
Born Again
Crucial Blast (2009)
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 … Read more
Owen
At Home with Owen
Polyvinyl (2006)
During late November of 2002, I was a sad and bitter person. These feelings were brought about by several factors; the most obvious being that, as freshman in college whose main mode of transportation was walking, I was fucking cold most of the time. This sensation generally brings out the irritability in most. Delving deeper into my psyche it could … Read more
Owen
New Leaves
Polyvinyl (2009)
Most people who listen to Owen are all-too-aware of what I like to call the Kinsella continuum. Chicago-based brothers Mike and Tim are responsible for some of the more infamous 90's Midwest bands, being the minds behind Cap'n Jazz, American Football, Owls, and the ever-revolving doors of Joan of Arc. Their prolific nature has even brought in younger brother Nate … Read more
Owen
New Leaves
Polyvinyl (2009)
Owen made being a self-deprecating, guitar-playing romantic a cool thing again. But its 2009 now, and maybe it's a little played out. Yeah, there will always be a sense of comfort in Kinsella's wistful melodies and twinkling arpeggios. However, the works of Owen were starting to sound too alike, predictable, or reused. Surprisingly, Owen expands its sound with its fifth … Read more
Owen
The Avalanche
Polyvinyl (2020)
I struggled rather mightily on how to summate longtime fandom into a concise review for this record, a Sisyphean task that was slowly running me into the ground. I even had a dream about Owen and woke up at 5 a.m. with some revelatory connection that would be my through line, but I fell back asleep and the conclusions eluded … Read more
Owls
Two
Polyvinyl (2014)
Post-hardcore merges the experimentation of noise rock with the energy of hardcore punk. During its first two decades, post-hardcore was pretty underground, but it produced notable acts like Shellac, Fugazi, and Big Black in the 80’s and Chavez, Slint, and Unwound in the 90’s.In the 2000’s, post-hardcore broke with The Used’s 2003 self-titled album and My Chemical Romance’s 2004 album … Read more
Oxbow
Love That's Last: A Wholly Hypnographic & Disturbing Work Regarding Oxbow
Hydra Head (2006)
When I reviewed The Very Best of Men's Recovery Project recently, I thought that there couldn't be a band less suited for a "greatest hits" release. Obviously, I had forgotten about Oxbow. To put it simply, Oxbow is one of the most intense and challenging bands in America today. Oxbow sounds like an uneasy mix of the delta blues at … Read more
Oxbow
The Narcotic Story
Hydra Head (2007)
It's impossible for me to give The Narcotic Story a fair review. As the liner notes state: "This does not mark the actual conclusion of THE NARCOTIC STORY but merely the first in a triptych that will later include a full-length film of the same name, as well as a soundtrack release for said film. We hope your level of … Read more
Oxbow
Thin Black Duke
Hydra Head (2017)
I first saw Oxbow perform live back in 2007. The band has just released their then new album, The Narcotic Story, and the experience was simply beyond words. I was not familiar with their back catalogue and they completely stunned me, apart from the vocalist methodically removing his items of clothing through the show, was their radical take on rock … Read more
Oxes
Oxes EP
Monitor (2005)
If it wasn't the fake split with Arab On Radar they pulled to boost CD sales that sold your heart, than it had to be the album artwork on the Oxxxes LP that caused an uproar of controversy. The protest in Baltimore was later turned into the album cover of the CD version, with my favorite being the guy holding … Read more
Ozma
Pasadena
About a Girl (2007)
After splitting in 2004, it seemed initially unlikely that California's Ozma would ever resurface with their brand of power pop / new wave rock. After an unofficial reunion show (minus former drummer Patrick Edwards) in 2005, though, the band decided to reform, and Pasadena, named for their hometown, is the result, featuring new member Kenn Shane on the drums. Opener … Read more
Ozma
Spending Time on the Borderline
Kung Fu (2003)
A friend had described Ozma to me as being 'like Weezer, but wussier.' I've never been a fan of Weezer, I could never get into them. Ozma, on the other hand, I liked instantly. While not being a particularly heavy band, Ozma are a great band to 'spend time' listening to, if you are a fan of guitar-driven, keyboard-laden emo … Read more
