GODSEND REVIEWS : O

Oblivion Ensemble-Nightmare:Sinistrotorse CD-Wonderful soundtracks incorporating rock, experimental, ambient, and even jazz into a filmic, evocative, and dark brew. Unique and recommended.(Complacency)

O.C.D.-Hoard-Wash-Pray-Repeat CD-Hard rock/ metal with pretty embarrassing vocals. (Debutante)

Odor of Pears-"Crown of Thorns" CD-Hailing from Berkeley, California, this 3-piece band led by vocalist Diana Blackwell focuses their energies on producing a well-done but not especially unique goth rock sound, to varying degrees of success. Opening with the semi-tribal DEAD CAN DANCE-ish 'Invocation', the band then delves into more programmed, proto-industrial/goth ground, with a definite look back into the 80s (think the SISTERS 'Floodland' with Siouxsie-like vocals). My problems with this lie with the programming, which all too often seems to be emulating a 'rock' sound, as if a real drummer or guitarist are not an option. Furthermore, the songs don't always congeal into anything more than raw beats with some synth backing and Blackwell's bathed-in-effects-until-it's-unintelligible vocals. On the positive side, and although songs like 'Fuck Christianity' and 'Dildo' offer little more than shock value, they also reflect the band's keen sense of humor. Solid production and a good variety of songs, but I can't help but feel that ODOR OF PEARS will have a tough time rising above the rest of the latex-clad gothic S&M/B&D crowd. (Odor of Pears)

various artists-"Ohm: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music 1948-1980" CD-Before you go searching this out, note that while I received a single CD sampler, this is actually released as a comprehensive 3CD set with a 96 page book. An ideal sampler (or starter set) of early, legendary, and obscure sound architects that paved the way for modern experimental, minimalist, and electronic musics. Names like John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Steve Reich, Morton Subotnick, Pierre Schaefer, Terry Riley, Iannis Xenakis, LaMonte Young, Luc Ferrari, Holger Czukay, Klaus Schulze, Jon Hassell, and Brian Eno are some of the bigger names here, though there are a huge amount of others to acquaint yourself with. I have yet to see the book that comes with this historic set, but no doubt it will be an essential text for sound theorists/explorers reaching beyond the current crop of noise and techno artists. Very, very impressive. (Ellipsis Arts)

Old-Formula CD-Powerful electronic post-rock, more accessable than their past work, and sounding like an industrialized prog rock/ ambient act with COCTEAUish guitars. Unusual as hell.(Earache)

Old Grandad-Vol.666 CD-Screaming aggro-metal with a sense of humor.(Old Grandad)

Omatic-Dog Years CD-Abrasive indie rock/punk with a fat, crunchy sound and chick vox. (Grass)

One For Jude-"Figures" CD-This debut full-length from French band ONE FOR JUDE is a strong release that harkens back to the glory days of wave/goth/pop like 'Disintegration'-era CURE ('Goodboy' is a very catchy track particularly, and my favorite so far). Trumpeter Eric Roger (SOL INVICTUS/LE ORCHESTRE NOIR) adds an interesting touch, and indeed there does seem to be an influence from the 'apocalyptic folk' side of things on the track 'Journey'. However, ONE FOR JUDE's simple and melodic guitar/bass/drums/vocals sound is their own, bringing a relaxed sort of dark pop sound that looks back as well as forwards. Overall, 'Figures' is an excellent album that is light-years ahead of the regressive goth and retro-new-wave that make up the modern scenes. (One For Jude)

One For Jude - "Helice" CDEP - Stylish and melodic new darkwave pop sounds from a French band who seem poised for greater recognition. ONE FOR JUDE's predominantly acoustic/neo-folk sound is lushly orchestrated ('L'ebloui' is a particularly affecting piece, with swirling strings and a resonant yet sensitive French vocal). This EP shows a group that embraces a post-modern chamber-rock feel that should find a home in the collections of die-hard Projekt label devotees. 'The Punishment Of The White Rose' is sung entirely in English and reminds of some classic late-80s goth-edged rock. The EP concludes with a live version of 'Helice' that accents the classical composition. Overall, a strong release and a superb place to start with this rising band that brings together several genres into an often-compelling mix. (La Farandole Egaree)

Oneiroid Psychosis-Fantasies About Illness CD-In the realm of modern gothic music, its a shame ONEIROID PSYCHOSIS arent better known. The brothers Hansen are taking the dark path into new areas with post-industrial electronics. Fantasies is an excellent work that melds hard midtempo electrobeats with sinister vocals and eerie semi-orchestrated melodics. A unique and uniformly strong effort. Im convinced. (decibel)

Oneiroid Psychosis-Stillbirth CD-Morose, darkwave-edged electrobeat with a definite death fixation. Their newer effort, above, is far better.(decibel)

The 101 - "Green Street" CD - NYC trio THE 101's debut full-lengther here is a promising and really catchy collection of modern indie/pop/rock songs. Songs like the 'Wolf' render regards for stuff like early R.E.M. maybe. 'Beth' is another standout, being a simultaneously heartbreaking and driving rock track. Solid songwriting, emotive music, clear production...it's all here. I'd expect to hear more of these guys in the future. (Limekiln Records)

On/Off-Rouge CD-Interesting EBM/hardbeat that strays from the usual formulas and veers into some unusual territories. Babe, for example, weds a rock guitar solo to an ambient electro synth backdrop and clubby beats. Diverse and with excellent production, ON/OFFs debut is an impressive one. (Rapa Nui)

various-Operation Beatbox CD-Synthcore remakes of your favorite rap jams indeed...but despite the promising roster of young electro-rock artists, theres very little here that merits much attention. NUMBs cover of Push It manages to create a whole new meaning for the song, and is quite energetic, but still its not much more than a novelty. (Re-Con/Cargo)

Optimal Configuration Project-Just As Cells Cluster CS-Live, improvised sound manipulations and post-industrial noise. Overall a fairly ambient sort of feel, reminding me a tad of THROBBING GRISTLEs more subtle moments. (Splintersoundsystems)

Order Of The Dying Knights-Miranda CD-Dynamic and sensitive goth-styled rock that reminds me of the old Independent Project bands like MUMBLES. The use of ethnic instruments also invites comparisons to DEAD CAN DANCE. Quite well done. (Pelinor)

Origami Arktika - "Fantomlust" CD - This is a live recording of the mysterious and unique Norwegian collective, recorded in St. John Church in Gdansk, Poland in late 2000. Using only acoustic sound sources, 'Fantomlust' is a fascinating, superb and unclassifiable collection of music that bridges the gap between dark folk, ritual/devotional/multicultural music, and experimental sound manipulation (taking cues from post-industrial/noise and musique concrete styles). It's a powerful and dynamic recording, from somber, introspective passages to ear-jarring (and cat frightening) noises, all captured with exceptional clarity. An engrossing and fascinatingly different work more than worthy of investigation. Full recommendation. (Ignis)

Orso-"Long Time By" CD-Unclassifiably weird and indescribably wonderful sounds from this group that really stirs up the styles, yet manages to create undeniably catchy and heartfelt music. Take some Appalachian folk and country sounds, add in some creative electronic embellishment, some rock, and some ambient affectations, and you kinda sorta get ORSO. Parts remind slightly (and should appeal to fans of) TOM WAITS, IDAHO, and even some of M.Gira's ANGELS OF LIGHT project--certainly some fine company. Leader Phil Spirito's rough and expressive vocals bring a comfortable warmth that is only heightened by Gillian Lisee's sweetly melodic backing vocals, and the music is a highly personal and experimental collision of elements that combine into a rich melodic stew. A unique and visionary album that I have been playing like mad. Bravo! (Perishable)

Otha Turner and the Afrossippi Allstars Featuring the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band-"From Senegal To Senatobia" CD-A rather amazing and unusual hybrid of ethno-tribal African drum music and Deep Mississippi slide guitar blues. With a brilliant free-jazz aura thanks to 90-year-old Otha Turner's floating fife and an assemblage of musicians from Africa as well as Mississippi, this recording successfully creates it's own style and charts a course not confined to the past or present. Melodies graft their way into the mix, and this impeccably-recorded album will appeal fully to fans of the genre-busting multi-cultural Axiom label. A wholly unique and life-affirmingly beautiful recording that may well be among the more important musical cross-pollinations in recent years. (Birdman)

various-"Our Heat (Your Moisture)" CD-A compilation of 26 mostly-unheard-of bands and artists who all concentrate on various permutations of the indie-noise-rock-with-experimental-edges-theme. There's a lot of freeform post-punk rock/noise present here, from dark and sinister to silly nonsense (the speed-freak-punk of TWEEZER) to molasses-thick guitar distortion to unclassifiable lo-fi weirdness. I found myself getting a bit bored, as all the tracks seem to gel together quite well to the point of overload. However, this is a good place to sample some up-and-coming new groups if you're so inclined. (SCUSS c/o ShoeString)

The Outer Lords-"Tozama" CD-Multi-instrumentalist/programmer Gooding joins MC Chief Justice for this modern hiphop album that's unusual in it's positivity and diversity. Musically, it's a strong and well-produced mix of slow, slinky grooves and words of wisdom from the Chief. 'How Many Hits' rides a hiphop/reggae crossover tip, and is a catchy and memorable track. Other tracks range from big dubby beats to multi-cultural (like the sitars in the beautifully ambient 'Lovely') to big funky rockers to more commercial pophop tunes that would do even (dare I say it) Will Smith proud. Chief Justice does well in his rhythm and flow while his rhymes are well-conceived and definitely on a higher plateau than most of his so-called peers in the hiphop nation. Well-done, I say. (S3 Records)

Out Hud - "S.T.R.E.E.T. D.A.D." CD - The peerless Kranky label here turns a massively new leaf with this Brooklyn-based act which incorporates dance rhythms into their electronic-based sound clash. OUT HUD still maintain an experimental angle, but the straightforwardness of their more aggressive (yet still melodic) approach is definitely NOT along the same lines as stuff like LOW or STARS OF THE LID. I'm reminded more of the classic post-punk grooves of JOY DIVISION or GANG OF FOUR, as filtered thru a heavy-duty dub/funk filter. Really, this is some excellent and well-textured material that refuses to fit into any categories and is sure to baffle and befuddle many. OUT HUD simultaneously shake it all up and then kick your butt pre-old-school-style, not relying on any modern electronic cliches. The brilliantly-titled 'The L Train Is A Swell Train And I Don't Want To Hear You Indies Complain' is a wonderous slab of funky-ass beats and chiming guitars--what else do you want? Superb work and quite recommended. (Kranky)

various-"Out Of The Loop" VIDEO-This documentary of the Chicago music scene, produced and directed by Scott Petersen, presents a thorough and intimate look at the state of "indie" rock in the city. Included are recent interviews with bands, label owners, and producers as varied as Steve Albini, The Jesus Lizard, Wax Trax' Dannie Flesher, Jim Marcus, Chris Randall, Chris Connelly, Seam, The Pulsars, Veruca Salt, and others, all giving their own unique perspectives on the state of the industry. And interspersed between interview bits are live performances by the bands in all their rough glory. A fine document and worthwhile to fans of any of the featured artists. (Video Music)

Out Out-Nisus CD-Another fine electronic & guitar onslaught from Metropolis. OUT OUTs 3rd album effectively brings the staples (distorted vox, rock guitars, electro sequences) along with decent songwriting structure. Rises above. (Metropolis)

Out Out-Pepperbox Muzzle CD-This is the 1991 album by Mark Alan Miller remastered,and a winner it is. Good songs and strong post-Wax Trax-style electro-rock beats and moderate guitars. Best is Admire The Question, which is catchy and brooding. (Metropolis)

Oxygiene 23-Blue CD-Mellow chillout grooves and exotic dance textures from DIE WARZAU and vocalist Jane Jensen. (Fifth Colvmn)