| CD REVIEW Öl |
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Band : Öl Somehow I felt like I'd come across this Frankfurt based German band before, and when in checking I found out that this is their 21st release [11the full-length – for complete list check (www.) oel-music.com)] since 1996, the possibility that I might've come across a review of one of 'em is indeed not unthinkable! Still, in my mind I had linked a band called Öl with a raucous Punk act, and not with the Alternative/ Indie Rock act I discovered upon listening to the download promo copy of the album we got. Now we didn't get a lot of info with that download promo, and there wasn't a lot móre to find either, as the info with the download is merely an English translation taken from the band's MySpace page. Anyway, just to fill up the space a little, that's what you're getting now (well, not exactly, as I gave the German text a more correct translation): “Öl are no young model-type types, they're no gifted instrument virtuoso, and they're also no hip trendsetters! Öl do that, what they've always done in their year-long experience on the stage and in the studio. Exactly that which they feel is cool. Öl Rock and Roll to the top of their possibilities. Loud, straight, mercilessly honest, and with both feet on the stage. With their current album The Merging they end the changes in the band line-up and show, that they have brought that together, which belongs together. The Merging combines the diversity of musical influences from the different band members without loosing the sense for simplicity and accessibility. The result is a cool, powerful Alternative Rock with a high degree of individuality, intensity, and a sympathetic touch of irony.” So, what's that mean? Occasionally, you'll find the guys [further info includes the line-up (with additional liner notes which I'll spare you), the chronology of which may be significant: mastermind/ lead singer/ guitarist Sebastian (apparently he's só prolific in writing new stuff, the other members only miss a rehearsal at the peril of missing out too much and having to work even harder to catch up), drummer Sascha, bassist/ backing singer Marcus, lead guitarist/ backing singer Jens, and eventually keyboardist/ backing singer Dirk – apparently the first keyboarder who's ever stood in a room with Öl for more than two songs in a row] go into second gear for a slightly more “noisy” track, but overall the mood of the album is one of a mellow Pop Rock with nice dual vocals and almost “ballad” sensitivity, a feeling brought in mostly through the band's vocal stylings. Occasionally they even make fun of themselves (check out the ending of “Don't Ask Why” for reference). To get acquainted with the band, you're really best off checking he band's own website, as that's where the band made a multitude of songs (off each release) available. Still, to hear some material off the new album, you'll have to surf to (www.) myspace.com/oelmusic! Personal appreciation? Well, I can certainly listen to this band's music without getting bored or so (even if the 15 songs on the album last almost 66 minutes!), and I can honestly say I found quite some interesting twists in the music...but you won't find me buying any of their albums at full prize! I might buy some in the second hand store, providing there's not too any other, more interesting stuff. If that sounds hard, I'm sorry...but in this over-saturated world of music, we have to make choices sometimes! And in spite of the harsh words just uttered right now, I'm still giving the album the rating it deserves...for effective and melodic simplicity! 83/100 Tony. |