The Oxys
Generation Irrelevant (Dead Beat Records)
by Scott Deckman
A review in the press release of The Oxys‘ sophomore effort, Generation Irrelevant, compares them to the Lower East Side punk of the ’80s. Sped-up late ’70s is more apt (the band lacks ’80s hardcore meanness, and are generally too rocky — and poppy). They fooled me, these Oxys. I originally thought the girl, rhythm guitar player Genocide, was the singer. Phil Davis’ voice is that high-pitched. Genocide is killing it just fine on the ax, thank you. There are a lot of raunchy guitars on Generation Irrelevant, lots of guitars, period. The record is busy, mixing riffs, solos, and sing-along choruses. They even throw in some Farfisa and understated piano. One track that stands out as different is closer “Screaming in Silence.” Almost a dirge, the guitars are foreboding and the chorus, heavy with intent, sticks the landing. It sounds like an alt-rock blast from the ’90s. Despite the rockers on Generation Irrelevant, it’s the record’s best tune (showing my bias. Sorry. Oh those alt-rock years).
A major problem with the album lies in the record’s mixing: it’s not good. Singer Davis’ vocals are buried too far down in the mix. This one goes a bit better on the headphones or cranked up so loud it doesn’t matter. The Oxys aren’t recreating the wheel here, nor should they be expected to. While not quite there yet, they’re close. It’s hard to see how they’d miss in a packed club. After all, they’ve played with the Supersuckers, the Greatest Rock’n’Roll Band in the World. So if you like the Heartbreakers, New Bomb Turks, Devil Dogs — garagey, trashy punk — you might wanna give Generation Irrelevant a go.
