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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews of OHM:'s Amino Acid Flashback, November 18, 2005
1. I held the new cd in my hand with some unexpected trepidation, realizing just how high my expectations for this release had soared. As it turns out, I needn't have been nervous. Chris Poland (guitar), Robertino Pagliari (bass) & Kofi Baker (drums) have taken care of business on this record in amazing fashion. To paraphrase a rock critic's title of an article written about another band many years ago: If you don't like OHM:, you're wrong.
"Amino Acid Flashback" is a creative, well-written package of 11 songs, delivered with seamless interplay and absolute virtuosity. As the liner notes explain, this music is the culmination of the time and times these guys have spent individually and collectively, growing, learning, and finding common ground to communicate with one another. The more I listen to this record, the more I hear - an attribute this new cd shares with their first self-titled studio effort. There are references to OHM:'s past (DaVinci, Icarus Falls) that are revealed fresh and anew, songs that impact you with their immediacy (Skint, Spun), and works that take the listener to new places (What If, Rooms of Telemetry).
At various points during this record, each instrument- guitar, bass, drums- becomes a lead instrument. They have the taste and chops to pull this off as soloists, but just as impressively, the two who lay back as the third takes off on an incredible excursion lay down context for the solo to come from within, and propel the musical theme so as not to lose the listener. This is exceptional songwriting as well as playing. Robertino Pagliari shows his mastery of the six string fretless bass, and his mind-blowing dexterity in both conventional and radically different bottom end expression. Pag's bass is an integral part of the band's sound and personality. This album marks the first studio release featuring the now-entrenched Kofi Baker as keeper of the beat, with high energy throughout. His drumming is both the lynchpin and an inspiration to the others, and his mark is evident and welcome, as all fans of the band have noted from the "Live at KPFK" cd, and OHM:'s live shows over the past two years. As for Chris Poland, his output continues to create joy and amazement. Great hooks, immediately recognizable tone, timing and feel, liquid waterfall solos where the beginning, middle or end cannot be anticipated, wonderfully out-of-left-field rhythm work, fun with the octaver, univibe, ring modulator, distortion unit, wah, so many squeaks, wonks, squeals, bells, chirps... where does it end (Hopefully never)? Chris is a singular musician, not just a shredder, or an effects freak, jazz snob or avant-garde experimentalist. His vision is fully formed but continues to encompass the new experiences that make him a compelling artist. Chris has game, and this game should be documented in its' entirety by the so-called "industry publications"- Guitar Player, Guitar World, Jazz Times, Jazziz, Hittin' the Note, etc.
Many times I think of OHM: as the Cream of the new millennium, obvious Kofi connection aside, the ultimate JazzRockBluesFusionPowerTrio, for those seeking to define or label it. They take recognized musical forms and turn them inside out, making them all their own, nodding to the past, creating urgency in the present, hinting at the future. Three musicians falling down the stairs and landing on their feet, yet coming together in a tight, unified, telepathy.
If there is a complaint after listening to "Amino Acid Flashback", it would be one: Not enough. Not nearly enough music from such talented artists. But we are grateful for what is received from guys who aren't able to do this for a living full-time. Are you listening, "music industry"? Probably not. Hopefully this release will be welcomed by a community of eager fans- fusion fans, instrumental fans, guitar fans, bass fans, drum fans, or just fans of good music. Those same fans should show their support right now by picking up this cd. OK?
2. (much shorter version for busy readers)
THESE GUYS ARE GREAT. BUY THIS CD NOW.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb sophomore fusion album, February 8, 2006
Ohm's first album was amazing. So if you haven't heard it yet and are even the least bit interested in instrumental fusion music, you should immediately check it out. Come back to Amino Acid Flashback only after you've fully immeresed yourself in their first effort. That way, you'll get to see how different their new work is and how much growth it has to offer, both musically and compositionally.
Here is what Chris Poland wrote down in the booklet of his new album:
"This record consists of 25 years of blood, sweat and tears. This record is us doing both a 180 degree turn-around and a full 360 degree circle. This record is our heart and soul, our convictions and everything we stand for."
Fair enough, don't you think? You'll definitely agree after you hear the CD though. The songs here are generally shorter but all the more powerful and, dare I say, personal. Though all the way fusion-inspired, the album still breaks any conventional boundaries of the genre. For a start, it's packed with some of the biggest grooves and rock-solid rhythms you'll hear. Poland's long-time friend Robby Pagliari is a monster on his 6-string fretless bass. His low and deep bass lines flat-out rock the album opener "DaVinci" setting the tone. Famed Cream drummer Ginger Baker's son Kofi Baker is on drums. Baker is equally astounding as his father, but he's chosen to explore a different, more adventurous musical territory. His groovy cymbal beats on "William's Amino Acid Flashback" or the swift percussion work on "Icarus Falls" are proof that he is simply out of this world. On top of that, he has a killer drum tone, one I wish many other fusion and jazz drummers tried out. Fat and full, but never flashy. His polyrhthmic drive on the textured "Spun" is perhaps my favourite on the album.
Chris Poland still has that trademark searing tone he's been known to use since he did that amazing Damn the Machine album. Once again, his playing on this disc is flawless, showcasing his unmistakable tone and instantly recognizable legato phrasing. His writing is on a totally different level on Amino Acid Flashback. This time it's all about writing good songs, that both rock and reach deep down anyone's soul. Dexterity is only relied on if the song really calls for it, otherwise things are strictly kept within a certain compositional context. Besides his fluid playing on the song "Tara", the piece also stands out because of its killer 'chorus' parts. Poland dabbles with heavier and slower jazz on the elegiac title track and dreamy "Rooms of Telemetry", while on "What If...", he juxtaposes ghostly bends with impeccable vibrato. This man always had killer vibrato, but this album sees him reaching the top. On the aforementioned "Icarus Falls", Poland elicits a million textures out of his guitar and lets his outstanding pitch do the talking.
This is a step ahead of the already amazing debut album, but one can only expect good things from Mr Chris Poland anyway. Highly recommended.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VIRTUOSO MASTERPIECE, December 22, 2005
I have seen these brilliant & talented men play 20-30 times in the last few yrs locally in Los Angeles - mostly at the Baked Potato (www.thebakedpotato.com) which is a great venue. It's like hearing them in your living room. The venue is great, the vibes are great - AND OHM is STELLAR.
All three of these fine musicians excel in their own way. Hearing them live and up close lets you appreciate exactly how complex their work is.
Seeing Chris Poland play lead is amazing, listening to Kofi's drums is fantastic and watching Robby master his fretless bass, in my mind, is beyond comprehension!
Not to take away from the others, because they are fabulous, but I can't understand how Robby coaxes those powerful and delicate sounds from a big bulky bass.
As good as this CD sounds - which is great - it's even better live - obviously.
Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention, unlike many in this genre, these guys actually write interesting and creative music which combined with their masterful musical talent makes them a rare find in my book.
I HIGHLY recommend this CD for anyone even remotely into this type of music! 5 stars ++ - two thumbs up.
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