Post by jimmy on Oct 6, 2005 22:35:00 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]OHM; [/shadow]The three headed Monster Fusion trio featuring Chris Poland, Robertino Pagliari and Kofi Baker are back with the much anticipated sophomore studio release, Amino Acid Flashback.
We were treated to a glimpse of the brilliance this lineup was going to give us with last years LIVE on KPFK release shortly after adding Kofi Baker (son of legendary Cream skin basher, Ginger Baker) on drums but no one could have predicted the intensity and passion they would capture on this Album.
They label themselves as Pop-Fusion, which is a fitting term. Unlike many Jazz / Fusion bands that will play thru the head of the song and then everyone solos for 10 minutes, which can become tiring for even the most hardcore instrumental fan, OHM packs all the staggering, individual virtuosity possible into songs with actual hooks and instantly memorable melodies all wrapped tightly into the framework of your typical 3 ½ - 4 minute radio ready pop song.
Davinci; The leadoff track gets things rolling hard and heavy out of the gate with a searing single note melody and driving bass line. A phenomenal solo by Chris is followed by an incredible drum solo by Kofi under the last chorus that features a barrage of double bass and masterful fills. Although not overused, Kofi’s Double Bass work is so tight and precise that it makes you wonder if he couldn’t carve diamonds out of rocks with his syncopated footwork.
Tara; Creative melodies intertwined with subtle use of the Ring Modulator sets up this beautiful track that has an inspiring solo by Chris who may be only second to Jeff Beck when it comes to the unpredictability of his lines and the sheer emotion he’s able to coax from each note that he plays, almost as if he is inside each one, pushing and twisting it into whatever shape he desires.
Williams Amino Acid Flashback; The aptly named title track comes off as a futuristic, twisted take on Jimi’s Third Stone from the Sun meets Frank Zappa. The Guitar solo is a fret melting array of Jan Hammer style keyboard pitch-wheel bends and Holdsworth-ian outside-ness and a tone so rich and creamy that it will peel paint off walls.
What If…; Robertino’s bass-work is the standout here. He makes his bass speak with a liquidy, wah drenched solo that will make you question if it was possibly inspired by the comical and inaudible speech of Charlie Brown’s teachers.
Joog in da Boot; Another standout track and solo from Chris, who throws down some serious Hendrix funkiness before blazing into his trademark legato lines that have become and expected part of his arsenal.
Compass of the Heart; One of the most moving pieces on the disc with a moving and haunting melody in the verse that paints a picture of loss and despair before giving way and building into a majestic and anathematic salvation in the chorus. Serious chill factor here.
Iccarus Falls; This song starts with an infectious bass line that barrels at you like an out of control semi and a guitar melody that teeters on the edge of reckless abandon yet never falls over the cliff. A spectacular and unpredictable solo by Chris (possibly one of the best he’s ever put to tape) builds to a breath-taking climax highlighted by some incredible drum work by Kofi. OHM at it’s best.
Rooms of Telemetry; A beautiful ballad featuring melodic, vocal like lines of Pag’s bass. Kofi’s subtle yet amazing drumming demands center stage here as he shows that his playing rivals if not surpasses that of his jazz and fusion peers of Wackerman, Weckell and Gadd.
Skint; Possibly my favorite track on the CD due to its twisted melody and unpredictability. Pag’s wah / harmonic bursts jump out of the mix in a near three-dimensional way.
Spun; Another OHM Classic that takes you on a journey thru several moods and sonic landscapes. A buttery Lead break by Chris is matched equally by the interplay by Kofi and Pags. Chris Ring Mod solo at the end will make you wonder if this alone will cause this often misunderstood guitar effect to be the next sought after prize possession of players across the guitar community in the same way that Hendrix and Clapton did for the wah pedal, Sir Edward did for the Phase 90, Vai and Satch did for the Eventide Harmonizer and Morello did for the Whammy pedal. Although this effect was used sparingly by Jeff Beck in the late 70’s, it has gone mostly unused and ignored in the years since, mostly due to it’s weirdness and being written off as just “noise”. Chris has made this effect a key element in his palate of sounds, all of which he never overuses and is always creative in how they are placed in the music.
This CD is a must have for not only instrumental music fans, but all fans of great music and great musicianship in general. This CD, if promoted correctly should have the same impact on the guitar community that Beck’s Blow by Blow and Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien did on their respective generations.
A special kudos should be given to the secret 4th member of OHM;. Producer / Engineer Petar Sardelich for an amazing mix of the CD and who has managed to capture the live and spontaneous feel OHM has become known for and shares in the same musical vision that drives the members of the band.
Buy this CD! You will Not be disappointed and go see OHM Live as soon as possible!
[glow=red,2,300]Jimmy[/glow]