Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Oswald Effect
Love & Sabotage

Independent (2008) — Sean K.

The Oswald Effect – Love & Sabotage cover artwork
The Oswald Effect – Love & Sabotage — Independent, 2008

This looked promising when it first showed up in the mail. But as some wise person once said, looks can be deceiving. This Seattle four-piece certainly have their chops together, but the styles presented here are such a mish mash that it's hard to swallow. Musically they are rocking enough, but vocally I just couldn't get into them. The singer sounds like a cross between the dude from Shudder to Think and those guys in Muse. Considering that Muse's singer just blatantly tries to sound like Thom Yorke, that's not a good start. In a roundabout way, I'm trying to spit it out that I'm just not a fan of the vocals. But maybe you will end up digging Love & Sabotage, but this is definitely not something I'll ever slide into the player again.

2.0 / 10 — Sean K. • February 25, 2009

The Oswald Effect – Love & Sabotage cover artwork
The Oswald Effect – Love & Sabotage — Independent, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Drink Deep

In Reverse EP
Thirty Something Records (2026)

Upon first listen, those close to my age and who may share similar musical tastes may suspect that Drink Deep might be a band from Washington, D.C. For starters, the band takes its name from a Rites of Spring song, wears its influences on its literal sleeves (a brief glance at their social media presence will reveal members wearing official … Read more

Uncle Acid and the DeadBeats

Shapes of Midnight
Killer Candy Records (2026)

Stoner rock is one of the most astounding and incredible genres emerging in the rock scene today. It's a global phenomenon with countless bands across the world, plus various subgenres such as desert rock, stoner doom and psychedelic (heavily influenced by the original psychedelic bands of the '60s and '70s). At the forefront of this genre and in the vanguard … Read more

Various Artists

Tightwire / Canadian Rifle - Nietzsche
Red Scare Industries (2026)

Available in a black and white print gatefold sleeve, this is a 2-band, 6-song split 7". The gate fold is a nice touch to a classic split 7", complete with full lyric sheets. When the needle hits it's cleanly produced pop-punk in the vein of Lookout Records, built on crisp melodies and harmonies. While it's bright and sunny in sound, … Read more