I saw Omi Palone play at Birthdays in London with Milk Music 2 or 3 years ago. I enjoyed them but somehow never got around to listening to them again after the gig. As per the info on their Bandcamp page they have kind of stumbled along the way in getting this full length released following 2 aborted recording sessions in 2012. They play fuzzy indie/post punk that pays heed to 90s bands like Yo La Tengo and Dinosaur Jr. in isolated moments as well as something more current like Parquet Courts. There is a fair bit in the blurb on this band about New Zealand and Australia’s influence, citing labels like Xpressway and Flying Nun. I don’t know too much about the bands on those labels but that might give you a clue as to their sound. Omi Palone themselves are London-based but there is at least one Australian in the band. The record itself is dominated by fuzzy but jangly guitars as well as a deep, deadpan delivery from the vocals. The opener reminds me a little of Stereolab – maybe not directly in the sound, but in the droney, hypnotic repetition. In fact, repetition is a bit of a focus throughout and it works well. There are only eight tracks here but highlights would be that opener as well as next track, “Architecture”, which has a nice, driven guitar sound alongside some melodic guitar lines. The contrast between guitar and vocals on this track is superb. “Void” is another standout and has a summery riff that is very Real Estate in its sound. The guitar lines laced throughout the majority of these tracks are super. Well worth checking this record out if you like any of the bands I’ve mentioned.
