[rating=3.00]
Direct is exactly what you get when listening to Obits’ second studio release Moody, Standard and Poor. There’s no questioning the foursome’s lean edged gritty basement party-with a flickering light type of sound, except possibly the title of the album. Descendents of previously established indie bands, Obits offer up condensed heavy bass line driving tracks that are more straightforward and require less thinking, yet you find yourself fixated and pulled along with the beat. On “I Want Results” the drums unite all variables within the song and act as the basis that complements the various musical emotions. Contrasting guitars equally balance each other throughout the album as they act as split interpretations of where the tracks are headed next.
Somewhat reminiscent of an underground breed of Jet, Obits combine steady rhythm with fierce, but not overbearing, vocals. Dark distorted melodies make up “Shift Operator” that preview echoing sounds of a vocal style that would hint at a Grohl-esque type of attitude before the piece fades into exile. Merely three words, the song title, characterize the vocal content on “Spot the Pikey,” but this ninety seven second high energy piece offers fast phase transitions that hit you with a shot of electric adrenaline. “Standards” features a contrasting organ that peers out from behind the chaotic guitar work in the chorus and vibes out into a sharp finale. The band’s aim appears to present to-the-point arrangements that remain intriguing beyond the initial reaction. Obits aren’t going to overpower you with high end instrumental acrobatics but they are going to instill a live unrestrained and un-overdubbed feel that is consistent throughout the entire listen.
