Osteoferocious

O F [7 inch] (2010)

Brian Shultz

Osteoferocious trip you up with opener "Who Would Want to Leave?". Most of the first track on this 7", O F, is a tingling, post-rock-ish buildup--and suddenly, with about :35 to go, the band propels into a punchy, fuzzed-out noise pop/rock style way closer to what No Age and Japandroids do (comparisons they're probably no strangers to, given their setup: a singing drummer and a guitarist/backup vocalist).

While O F does dabble more in the latter territory, hints of the former give the 13-minute release an occasional restraint and atmosphere that seems to cleanse the listener's palette well, like their application of it for "Ryan Wakes Up with a Skeleton in His Bed," which halfway through adds a thumping, bass-y guitar line below the more dotted, sparkly one.

It figures the band would sound best when most melodic and catchy. For that, turn to closer "Spring Stains," where the vocals are most peppy and up front in the mix. It's even got a slight power-pop vibe and backing "ooo-woo"s to it, with a thin cloud of lo-fi texture to keep it from being too sweet.

A very, very promising EP from this duo.

STREAM
Spring Stains