Otis

(Cherrydisc)
by RAchelle

Chunky and full of rich guitar solos, Otis satisfies. This is very traditional metal with much guitar crashing into well-placed stops and solos. Vocals shine on the bass-heavy second track, “Dementia Praecox.” I believe singer Kev O. Matic has been studying his Cobain with good results. The song “Release Thirteen” features a strong nudging bass line under the vocals. The bass shoves you into the inevitable guitar explosion. This band has keen tension-building skills and they’re handy with the release as well.

I can just taste the angst of “Jimbo” – good song! Kev ends it by saying: “Happy birthday, Sweetie” in such a sardonic voice that I want to smack him. It must be good if it gets a rise out of me. My favorite song on the album is “Mary”; the guitar leads are rich and glowing. The musicians are clearly working together on this tune. Like a great meal, all the components complement each other well. I must be hungry.

My complaints are few. I will say that the band needs lyrical development and I’d prefer less cymbals and more drum pounding. My roommate, an ardent Otis fan told me, “I love Otis, you must see them live!” She mentioned a very fulfilling combination of guitar and buzzsaw not to be missed. Otis is a fresh and talented member of the metal world. Their CD belongs in your sound system. I think after dinner, I’ll listen to it again.