Oholics "Orbits"

Lose It Productions, 2012

Shoegaze noisiness lacks focus.

• Oholics went into the studio with no vision as to how their new album would sound, or even if it would be an album. The idea being let’s just see what happens. Laudable in some respects, worrying in others as it could be assumed that if you’re going to create something worthwhile, wouldn’t it be a better idea to hone, craft and perfect what you’re going to do?

• Well, it shows, to be honest. While starting off promisingly with the shoegaze stomp (shoegaze stomp?) of “Transfer Orbit” and the likeably psychadelic “Suzy Banyon Blues”, it starts showing its flaws with the execrable '90s student-disco-lite “Last Stoned Monday”.

   

  There’s little variation in what follows; psychadelic noises, swirling guitars, plenty of shrieking and shoegaze in overdrive, but it’s mostly a bit of mess.  Songs are not always aware of what the other ones are doing and while there are plenty of ideas and enthusiasm, and no little desire for a good time, it all comes off as a bit chaotic and it’s difficult to imagine who they’re appealing to, or even who would like it.