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
