O'death

I had the chance to see a fantastic band this weekend called O'death - wow, what a surprise! First off, I had no idea what I was in for, but this band was opening for the legendary Les Claypool, so I knew they would have some sort of twist - but little did I know how AWESOME they are!!!

Talk about an eclectic mix of energy, high enthusiasm, love of music, new and interesting sounds, great loud fun and tons of dancing! I was more than pleasantly surprised. With a name like O'death, I was expecting some sort of heavy metal type music (which really isn't my cup of tea) but when they came on, it was the total opposite of what I was expecting!

There's really no possible way to describe this band, but I'll do my best: They say that their latest album is a "giddy junkyard hoedown" and they're right on the ball with that! I'd say that if Bluegrass and headbanger music had a baby - it might sound something like this, maybe - but to be perfectly honest, I've never heard any other band or artist that sounds quite like these guys! They have a banjo, fiddle, bass guitar, ukeleili (sp?) and a drum set and so much more, and my oh my, do they play the ever living hell out of their instruments! I've never quite seen energy like this on stage before - they are SO into it, that you cannot help but be into it too!

They have a wide variety of tunes - starting with your sing alongs, rock alongs and anthem/ballad types - all very impressive. These five guys: Greg Jamie, Gabe Darling, Bob Pycior, Newman and David Rogers-Berry are something of musical geniuses... they take their shirts off, jump all around the stage, stand on their instruments, play with broken drum kits and smashed cymbals, etc... they make you appreciate sound again...

Immediately after their set ended, I ran to the merch table and bought both of their CD's "Broken Hyms, Limbs & Skin" and "Head Home" - I've listened to both this week and while it doesn't compare with their live show - it's a great way to introduce yourself to their crazy lyrics, enchanting musical abilitites and hysterical sense of humor.

This NYC-based band is currently on tour with Les Claypool and then they head overseas for some UK shows --- and they've informed me that they'll have to take a short break when that's done because their (very cute) drummer has to have surgery... All I can say is that we all wish him well and hope that O'death will return to the music scene faster than ever because I cannot wait to grab my friends and get to their next show! And this time, I'll bring my stomping shoes!

You can check out their website here:http://www.odeath.net/beta/index.php

And I highly suggest keeping tabs on these guys, because in my humble opinion - these guys are on the fast-track to success and I'm willing to bet that sooner than later, everyone is going to know who they are!

Enjoy!

JenJen

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