CD Review

One of the most interesting groups currently emanating from the suddenly-relevant-again upstate New York experimental music scene, Oshe is a remarkably interesting, futuristic electro-groove beast that, in all of its jams – or at least the ones captured on this disc from several dates in fall ‘04 – are short on gimmickry and long on chops and group interaction ideas. First bit of evidence: these selections together run close to 80 minutes, and the time passes swiftly with nothing less than riveting interplay throughout.

The main selling point on tracks like “Treachery,” “Chinese Wings” and “Surrender to Benefit” is how each member of this four piece folds his instrumental voice into each of the other three. They claim they take their cues from the Herbie-era Miles Davis groups and Mr. Hancock’s Headhunters, and instead of just wearing those influences proudly they prove they’ve actually learned something from said giants about the nature, fundamentals and necessities of four-man interplay. Radiohead and Floyd are justifiable reference points, too: screeching guitar hooks and ambient soundscapes dominate. More, please.

For more info see: oshe.org