AMINO ACID FLASHBACK

I received the album in this afternoon's mail and have played the disc about a dozen times. After going back to their self titled release for a better perspective, I feel primed for a proper review. Having no peers to my knowledge (please tune me in if Jazz Fusion this inventive still carries on elsewhere), I am forced to compare them with themselves. First off, this is not by any means a repeat of anything prior. Where the first release was brazen and fearless, this one is subtle and stealth, where the first was concise and trimmed, this one gives the feeling of improvisation and freedom. Not to say, of course, that either release lacks any of those traits, but this is a compliment to the first album, not a reproduction.

Also take note of the production. The sound accomplished on this album is close to perfection. While it is a studio release, it gives the vibe of an indoor jam session. Kofi Baker, a more comfortable fit than David Eagle, seems to kick all cylinders into play and OHM roars full speed ahead. All around, the band is tighter and more in sync with each other than I have ever experienced them. Highlights include Pag's amazing bass solo in "What If". One might compare him to Jaco or Percy... but in the end, the man is in a class of his own. Also a delight are Chris's overdubs in "Tara" and "Icarus Falls", which otherwise have only been heard on the live release "Live on KPFK" or on stage. They offer a brand new dimension to already lush and defined pieces.

I cannot help but give this work 5 stars (as I have their others), because when something is alone in it's class, I have to believe it is "essential".

If you'll read sites around the Net as well as their own thoughts in the CD booklet, supposedly Ohm's second studio album "Amino Acid Flashback" shows a marked step forward for the band, shows progression, musical maturity, etc. Perhaps that is true from a technical perspective but listening to both side by side, this reviewer prefers their first self-titled release which sounds more spontaneous, more exciting, and frankly, more alive.

Amino does throw more at us in terms of nuance, sound effects, and complexities. That doesn't necessarily translate into a better listening experience for me. There has also been a personal change; the new drummer in the group is none other than Kofi Baker, son of Cream's Ginger Baker. Let's just say that as far as rock drummer kids go, Kofi blows Zak Starkey and Jason Bonham out of the water. He is an exceptionally gifted drummer who boggles the mind with some of his fills.

I'm not saying the music on Amino is poor or not appealing. It is still good, challenging, rocking, and technically amazing. I'm just saying that I'll choose the first one over this one 4 out of 5 times for those long road trips. If you're new to Ohm I would certainly recommend the first album if you like a saucier guitar. If you tend to like a drier instrumental experience with more emphasis on effects and controlled textures then you might prefer this one. Both will be appreciated by fusion/instrumental rock nuts.

This is the second studio album from the American Fusion band OHM. Chris Poland (MEGADEATH) on guitar, Robbie Pagliaro on bass and Kofi Baker on drums.The latter is the son of the legendary Ginger Baker (CREAM). In the liner notes Chris talks about how he and Robbie have been playing on and off together for some 25 years.They actually played this style of Fusion together early on so they've come full circle here with this project called OHM. The music here reminds me of some of Holdsworth's solo stuff more than anything else.

"Davinci" hits the ground running. I really like this catchy tune. Check out the drums and guitar before 2 1/2 minutes to the end. "Tara" is lighter sounding and it reminds me of Holdsworth's "IOU" album. It does get heavier half way through though. Great sound 3 minutes in. "William's Amino Acid Flashback" has some killer bass in it. It settles before 1 1/2 minutes. Check out Poland after 3 minutes. "What If..." has some excellent drum work from Baker as other sounds echo. It turns intense late. "Joog In Da Boot" again impresses with the bass and drum work.The guitar kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes as he starts to light it up. Nice.

"Compass Of The Heart" features some tasteful guitar early but the drums and bass are anything but (haha). The guitar is more aggressive later. "Icarus Falls" has some beautiful guitar work on it before 2 minutes. "Rooms Of Telemetry" reminds me of Holdsworth's "IOU" album again.The guitar starts to solo before 2 1/2 minutes. Check out the bass 4 minutes in. "Skint" is an uptempo track with an impressive instrumental display. "Spun" is by far the longest track at around 7 minutes. I like the rhythm as the guitar plays over top. It turns heavy after 2 minutes. This is the heaviest section on this album. It settles a minute later as the tempo continues to shift. "Tattoo" opens with some great sounding guitar as drums and bass join in. Gorgeous. It then turns more aggressive. Love the drumming here.

If your into Fusion this is a no brainer really. Lights out playing from all three guys. Personally I would have prefered more heaviness but that's my only complaint.

Mellower, More Composed Outing

Ohm: is a power trio comprised of guitarist extraordinaire Chris Poland, best known as the first lead player in Megadeth, bass-master Robertino Pagliari, and a succession of drummers. Their longest standing skin abuser was Kofi Baker (son of Cream's Ginger Baker) who was a full band member by the sophomore AMINO ACID FLASHBACK. Despite his pedigree, Poland is first and foremost a fusion player who to this day loves to recount Dave Mustaine throwing his Weather Report tapes out the window while Megadeth was touring. Ohm's sound is a heavy fusion that is modern, textured, and virtuosic. Both Poland and Pagliari use a wide variety of effects that give the trio a very characteristic sound. Poland's tone in particular is completely singular, perhaps one of the most identifiable guitar sounds in all music.

After a phenomenal debut, Ohm concentrated on tighter compositions, mellowed a little, and produced a very solid outing that adds meaningful breadth to their catalog. However, AMINO ACID FLASHBACK really is a second album, a fleshing out of the band's sound. A new listener should absolutely get the first album first, as it is still the standard for the band. One reason is the appearance there of David Eagle on drums who is a slippery octopus. Kofi Baker is a very good drummer, miles ahead of his father, but Eagle was a magic ingredient that really completed the trio like no other.

While all of AAF is solid, "William's Amino Acid Flashback" and "What If" really are notch above the rest of the material. The first is the heaviest and most aggressive of the album, with a simply blistering white hot solo from Poland. The second is the most complex, the most likely to appeal to a prog fans ears. The sounds and textures are spooky and trippy, and Pag gets plenty of room to showcase his monster talent. While Poland gets called "under-rated" and "under-appreciated" on almost every review I read, Pags is just as amazing to my ear. Certainly, he is absolutely essential to the Ohm sound. When I hear Poland playing with other bassists, they simply pale.

There are quite a few ballad-y type songs on this album, including the second track "Tara." Along with the more mid-tempo opener "Da Vinci," this track leaves a much less overwhelming first impression compared to the debut album. The more I listen to this album, the more I've come to appreciate it, but the debut simply blows me away.

Bottom Line: Great addition to your modern fusion library, but not essential. 3.5 rounded up because Chris is my fave. (If you want more explanation of his guitar style, I've described it in detail on other reviews on his solo page, other Ohm albums, and on the Ohmphrey side project)

I honestly can't recall how I came across this CD, must have been a recommendation. Had I known about Chris Poland as a member of Megadeath, I would have given it an absolute miss as the name of the band alone would make me put barbed wire all around my place. I don't at all know their music and with such name chosen, it's unlikely that I would have ever been even remotely curious.

Well, it only shows that judgement is "not preferable", or as Frank Zappa could have said: "May your judgement come to life and kiss you." (He used a different term in place of judgement, but on these pages I'd rather not repeat that.)

So, to the point. This release would make me eat "humble pie" as it has become an instant favorite receiving endless repeats on day one. Nothing to do with Metal, but quality Jazz Rock/Fusion which is probably my most preferred genre in Prog.

This album was likened to Brand X, something I am not in agreement with. That is not to say that it's not equally great, but without Morris Pert (RIP) on percussion even Brand X have never been the same. Indeed, this release is far superior to the reincarnation of Brand X without Pert.

I would rather compare it to more of Gary Boyle's Isotope, some Holdsworth licks thrown in and even elements of Steve Morse's Dixie Dregs minus the odd, southern flavor. The delivery here is tight, precise with a relentless drive from all involved. In short, an absolute gem.

My only gripe is that on my copy the production is not that great, reminiscent of 1973 CBS recordings of Miles Davis, Soft Machine, Mahavishnu, etc, as if it was taped in a pantry. Still, the music represents tremendous appeal to me and calls for a resounding 5.

A word of caution. Going on my great enjoyment of this work, in recent days I've explored other works by Chris Poland. Solo, the other Ohm album and Ohmfrey, to be precise. None of those provided comparable excitement to me, so this release appears to be one of a kind.

Ohm's Amino Acid Flashback is a hands-down, must-have for fusion rock fans. Guitar and bass work is stellar and drumwork, by son of Ginger Baker -- Kofi, are solid & groove-paced. This release has that improv, live energy feel which adds excitement. Yet there are no bumps or warts as one may find in jam sessions -- just great delivery and raw energy. And as I have said before about Poland's tone -- it is blues-fusion-classic rock pure with just the right touch of fun pedals here and there. Bassists will be awed by the creative genius that Pagliani exudes with passion. Legatos, ostinatos, and fiery licks to die for -- lace every track. No weak cuts here folks! My fav cut is "Skint" for some unknown reason only my well-worn fusion neurons know. Recommended jams!