Osees, led by frontman John Dwyer, have carved out a distinctive niche in the underground music scene. Known for their relentless touring and prolific output, the band has consistently evolved their sound over the years, incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, and experimental music. Their recent work reflects a commitment to pushing creative boundaries and embracing new musical directions. SORCS 80, Osees’ latest release, represents a bold shift in their approach again.
The album was created under unique constraints, featuring no traditional guitars or keyboards. Instead, the band utilized synths and samplers to craft a novel sound palette, accompanied by a saxophone horn section. The result is a collection of tracks that are both energetic and reflective, capturing the band’s response to contemporary challenges. Even though the concept behind SORCS 80 seems a little unhinged and potentially disastrous, it blends styles from their last two albums: the synth-driven Intercepted Message (2023) and the fiery punk of A Foul Form (2022). Despite the absence of guitars, Dwyer still manages to deliver gut-punching music. Several songs maximize the high end of every instrument used. The most important being Dwyer’s fierce vocals throughout, leading the Osees in this 39-minute stylistic punk rock retreat.
SORCS 80 features a blend of synth-driven punk with a prominent brass section, creating a sound that merges raw, percussive elements with reedy, melodic tones. This innovative setup yields a dynamic and punchy musical landscape that is at once catchy and thought-provoking.
Osees pivot from their previous guitar and keyboard-centric sound to an emphasis on percussion and synths. This transition marks a significant departure from their earlier works, embracing a more experimental and layered approach while maintaining their trademark intensity. This evolution isn’t surprising given the direction of their recent material and Dwyer’s participation in several more free-form records of late, such as POSH SWAT (2023).
Listeners might find parallels between Osees’ latest work and bands like Von LMO, O-D-EX, The Flesh Eaters, Devo, and The Screamers. These comparisons highlight the album’s fusion of punk energy with unconventional instrumentation and a touch of sci-fi atmosphere.
“Drug City” is the third track on the record, but after a couple of spins, it was the song that instantly hooked me. Its catchy pulsing rhythm, highlighted by the brass, is fantastic. “Cassius, Brutus & Judas” stands out as a key track, driven by its strong synth hooks and thematic focus on betrayal. “Earthling,” another significant track, has a big Devo-like delivery as it explores personal transformation and the struggle to overcome one’s inner demons, wrapped in a psychedelic sonic landscape. “Blimp” is the chameleon track on the record, consistently switching styles and tempos without missing a beat. Instead of the transitions being a distraction, they actually draw you further into the Osees’ world.
The lyrics draw from real-life conversations and observations, offering a mix of introspection and social commentary. You’ll likely hear Dwyer drop several F-bombs throughout the album, all at the right moments. Themes of betrayal, self-improvement, and the complexity of human interactions are prevalent, adding a new level of depth to SORCS 80.
Thomas Wilde
For more of Thomas Wilde’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
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