Description
#theeohsees #vinyl #vinylrecords
Osees, the dynamic American rock band that originated in San Francisco in 1997, is now based in Los Angeles and has undergone several transformations since its inception. Founded as the solo project of John Dwyer, the band has seen numerous changes in its lineup and name over the years. Today, Osees features longtime members Tim Hellman on bass, Dan Rincon and Paul Quattrone on drums, and Tomas Dolas on keyboards. Renowned for their eclectic sound, the band has now ventured into uncharted territory with a new lineup that incorporates brass and percussion, resulting in a hot and raw sci-fi sound that is as innovative as it is captivating.
The creation of their latest album was an ambitious project, born out of a desire to reignite the band’s creative energy during a challenging period. The previous albums were heavily focused on guitar and keyboard, prompting Dwyer to set unique parameters for this project. By recording demos at home on a cassette 4-track and using drum loops, Dwyer laid the foundation for a collection of songs that would push the band’s boundaries. He and Tomas Dolas selected distinct synth sounds, creating a range of three octaves, and loaded them into Roland SPD-SX samplers. This process transformed their live performance approach, with four members at the front of the stage playing percussion, eliminating the use of guitars and keys entirely.
As the recording progressed, Dwyer noticed that the synthesized sounds resembled brass instruments. This observation led to the addition of a saxophone horn section, featuring Cansfis Foote and Brad Caulkins on tenor and baritone saxophones, which added a reedy bell tone to the already distinctive sound. The result is a punk-junk aesthetic reminiscent of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Von LMO, The Flesh Eaters, and The Screamers. The album, recorded by Dwyer on 8-track 1/4” tape at Stu-Stu-Studio, is characterized by its raw, hot production, and a blend of poppy hooks and heavy riffs that create a vacuous, sci-fi soundscape.
Lyrically, the album reflects the tumultuous times and the various life experiences that have inspired Dwyer. The songs draw from conversations, observations, and reflections on life’s current challenges, mixing humor, introspection, and a sense of WTF moments. The lyrics touch on themes of kindness, manipulation, self-awareness, and resilience, capturing the complexity of human interactions and emotions. Osees continue to surprise with their prolific output, energetic live performances, and whimsical aesthetic, blending influences from garage rock, krautrock, psychedelia, and folk. With twenty-six studio albums and numerous EPs, singles, and compilations, Osees remain a vibrant and innovative force in the music scene.
