TOMAHAWK – Oddfellows

Label: Ipecac Recordings

Release Date: January 29, 2013

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Not really sure what to expect, I open the download from the bands publicist and get ready to take this one for a spin.  I mean, these guys are established musicians in their own rights, let alone what they have done together.  Title track “Oddfellows” opens the disc with a laid back groove that eases the listener in.  The vocals are odd, but well matched to the music.  This song leads me to believe this might be a great rock-fusion album.  “Stone Letter” comes along and knocks that feeling out.  This track has a pop-punk sensibility to it that would lend itself to live performance.  The music is well played and Patton’s vocals add to the track, especially when the chorus kicks in.  “I.O.U.” has a cool vibe to it, when it starts off much like the first track, with a fusion feel to it.  The song gets an overhaul in the last few seconds, as a rock feel merges as the song ends.  “White Hats/Black Hats” is next and we are shown the punk side of the band.  If anything, these guys write and play enough of everything to be pigeon-holed into any one genre.  This is one of the better tracks on the disc, as it allows all of the musicians to equally share the spotlight.  “A Thousand Eyes” is a darker track that has quite a different vocal track than anything else on the disc so far.  “Rise Up Dirty Waters” shows some of the bands jazz influences coming through.  The song takes on a life of its own as compared to the rest of the disc, when it morphs into a grunge flavored track followed by straight up punk rock.  “The Quiet Few” follows the last track and continues the grunge track.  Musically, this would have been a hit for a band coming out of 1990’s Seattle scene.  It turns the volume and attitude up a bit as the song progresses.

“I Can Almost See Them” is next and features a cool guitar intro.  The song has a very ethereal feel to it as it moves along.  Next, we are treated to the longest track on the disc (clocking in at 4:01) with “South Paw.”  It opens with a huge rock sound and regresses to a decent track that relies on mood more than volume.  The drums keep time as the guitar noodling banters with the vocals.  “Choke Neck” is one of the oddest tracks on the disc, as it blends many styles in one track.  I have to say though, the guitar work is really cool on this track.  Just listen closely in all the nooks of this track for some cool guitar pieces.  “Waratorium” opens and displays some of the talent behind the drum kit.  The tempo changes are very cool and aptly handled.  This fusion track stands out for me as one of the better here.  “Baby Let’s Play_____” is almost eerie, with its light guitar work and chant like vocal opening.  When the vocals kick in, it maintains that horror-like feel.  I can imagine this track laced into a horror or suspense film.  “Typhoon” closes the disc and does so in style.  The song has a rock-a-billy punk feel to it, from the drums to the guitar and even the vocals.  Never thought I would really dig  fusion at this level, but this one is quite different and quite good.

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Category: CD Reviews