Right off the bat, I want to give major kudos to Friendly Fire Recordings. They are serious about their vinyl, and the proof is in the pudding. Warm, beautiful, mouthwatering pudding. From the moment I laid eyes on this record, I knew it was something different. The album artwork is exquisitely intricate, an ornate collage of photo imagery and original art set against a black background. Really classy, with a high-gloss allover finish. The font choice is interesting as well. Very space age, very otherworldly. The double-LP album features gatefold packaging, and the track listing appears on a bright red spine. These guys are definitely thinking outside the box. And it doesn’t end there. Each of the sleeves is lined in plastic. A really nice touch. The records themselves are pressed in a flexible vinyl and manufactured to play at 45 RPM. The result is a really clear, loud sound. These are the details that make this limited edition LP truly magnificent, and they couldn’t have been lavished on a more deserving or appreciative subject.
Oh No Ono is a truly unique band. These guys give new meaning to the term “experimental.” No words can properly prepare you for the kind of creative variety there is to be heard on this album. There are hints, here and there of possible eastern influence, a taste of classical pop here, a touch of mellow psychedelia there. It seems with this group, the possibilities are endless. And unlike outfits like Radiohead or Sigur Rós, Oh No Ono has created an experimental sound that isn’t depressing or boring. Far from it, in fact. Eggs dips into so many genres, it literally defies classification. Except, of course, by iTunes.
The album opener, “Eleanor Speaks,” has an eastern, mystical feel to it that tells you right away that this is not background music. This is stop what you’re doing, forget the rest of the world and enjoy the experience music. But always remember: don’t get too comfortable. Mellow, meditative tracks like “Swim” and “Eve” may be perfect for inward reflection and criss-cross applesauce seating, but songs like “Internet Warrior” and “Helplessly Young” will throw you for a loop and force your body into motion. One track in particular, “The Wave Ballet,” really jumped out at me. With rich textures, soaring grandeur, and one hell of a cool beat, it has a cinematic feel. Eggs closes with “Beelitz,” and at almost ten minutes in length, compelling all the way through, I’d say it ends on a strong note.
Oh No Ono hails from Denmark and is comprised of Aske Zidore, Nicolai Koch, Kristoffer Rom, Malthe Fischer, and Nis Svoldgård. Eggs is their full length US debut album.
Check out www.ohnoono.com.
Review By: Alex MacDuff
