OSEES Breach Neumos for Two Night Residency

Post pandemic era continues to prove itself fruitful with performance art in full swing. Reminded of the simple liberties that have been taken for granted, music giants are creating as if their lives depend on it.  We’ve been kept at home long enough to look at our lives and decide if we are living aligned with our values. Whatever those might be, expression has been collectively shifted up the priority list. The concerts are concerting harder than they ever have before, expunging any reasoning for letting the fire fizzle out. What a time to be alive, what an era of art to be a part of!

San Fran garage rock pioneers OSEES (F.K.A Thee OhSees, Thee Oh Sees, OCS), set free their energetic spectacle upon show goers (as to be expected).  Seeing them pre pandemic had me chomping at the bit for another serving. Since OSEES conception in the late 1990s, primary member John Dwyer has managed to release an impressive amount of material.

Their most recent EP release, Intercepted Message, is a bouncy, surprisingly danceable, synth heavy, new-wave-esque record. Songs like “Intercepted Message,” feature more controlled, intentional characteristics. These songs appear alluding to Dwyer’s interest in cinema, resembling the parts of movies where the protagonist is being chased by zombies or setting off a scheme. “Blank Chems,” changes pace mid song with impressive timekeeping from the double drum set duo and groovy support from the rest of the group. The double drumming formation is mesmerizing to watch, creating ear termites that eat deeper into your ears when you close your eyes. The OSEES beat the absolute brakes off your dopamine receptors in a way that makes tinnitus worth it.

Below the stage, a current of attendees squirmed and flailed about like electrons heated on high. I lost myself the majority of the show to my impulses. Immediately feeling called front and center to trash and bob my head off its axis. Despite being able to sell out larger venues, they make habit of dividing their stop in Seattle into two nights. Assuming to keep the chaos uncapped and stage diving encouraged. A contradiction to traditional garage rock and its reputation for a lack of musical technicality, the OSEES continue to model anything but. Known to experiment with their music fearlessly, they bend and fuse unorthodox combinations in a manner that comes off unserious yet exemplary at its core. Dropping EPs annually like no one’s business, I can’t help but wonder where Dwyer finds the energy to keep creatively evolving at such a threatening pace.

Trading his signature acrylic SG for a Gibson melody maker, he keeps it hoisted high atop his chest. Wielding it like a rifle, as he sashays and surfs the waves he creates.  Simply a maniac, inhaling his whole microphone into his mouth for an muffled yowl. My favorite moments were multiple blues inspired jam sessions. Totaling 15 mins each, they didn’t become tired or excessive. The ability to shift an aggressive and futile style into what felt like an orchestra, attests to depth and complexity possible within the weirdness. Substantially inspiring.  14/10. Will attend every single time.

Notable tracks:  Intercepted Message, Too Late for Suicide, Withered Hand, Henchlock

Words: Allison Lynch

Photos: Sophia Barkalakis @s.barkalakis