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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