ODDZAR
Self-titled (Dcide)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Oddzar fit between genres, taking just enough from metal, emo, screamcore and grunge to make it difficult to paste a label on the jewel case. Their songs definitely have a more mysterious vibe than what you hear from most bands working in any of those genres, and they've got such a keen sense of melody that the songs tend to stick. Gritty guitar reminiscent of the grunge era digs in with a huge drum and bass sound, so you've got a powerful, solid wall of loudness right in your face, but it's subtlety in such moments that separates Oddzar from the pack. Whether it's a soft, simple guitar part high above the mix or a sneaky bit of bass harmonic work down in the trenches, there's something else happening to keep it from being routine. It bodes well for them that they're not against using a clean guitar sound, such as the ultra-clean rhythm track on "The Tide," and that the throat-shredding is kept to a minimum and therefore never sinks to cliche level. It seems appropriate, even nearly perfect, when you do hear it. Those are the differences between Oddzar and the pack. The power is undeniable, but if that's all they had, they'd just have to get in line.

© 2005 - DJ Johnson