ODD SENSES

I must say, since my last experience with Psyopus, my tolerance and opinion of the band has certainly improved. With the nearly unlistenable 'Our Puzzling Encounters Considered,' it's pretty easy to see why this band does not warrant a huge fanbase. Mixing chaotic, maddening guitar parts with screechy vocals, Psyopus are a band much more likely to annoy your average listener than to amaze them. The first time listening to this band, I can honestly admit that my mind wasn't as open to something so different as I would have hoped. Looking now, I still do not think that Psyopus are musically excellent, but there is something to be said for them, especially in some parts of this latest record, 'Odd Senses.'

Chris Arp, despite being quite a goon when it comes to songwriting proper, is one of the most unique guitarists in the world, and despite the fact that many listeners won't enjoy Psyopus, it would be foolish to say the man has no talent at all. While alot of 'Odd Sense' does boil down to something resembling noise, it is very structured work.

Some of the issues that transcend the band's playing are still dominant in 'Odd Sense' as well. Despite being as musically open-minded as I can, I still cannot find anything musically pleasing about listening to a loop of a woman saying 'I Love You' over and over again on the track 'Choker Chain.' As far as comedic value goes, the tongue-in-cheek nature of some of this material does have it's merit, but the appeal wears off far too quickly.

There is however, one track on here that may warrant hope for the band. The closer of the album 'A Murder To Child' lacks vocals (the main problem with the band) and even heaviness. It isn't even in a metal style! I've always thought the best (and only truly enjoyable) moments that Psyopus had to offer were the ones where the band took their technical nature and transposed it onto a more musical field. The album's closer is in fact, a neo-classical composition. It is atonal and avant-garde (both qualities proper of the band) but it actually shows the band can make some good music if they put their hearts into it. The album closer is a track I would recommend to anyone who enjoys avant-garde music.

Chris Arp has said that the next Psyopus album will be something more along the lines of the musical style that 'A Murder To Child' delved into. If this is true, then there really is hope for this band. Besides the final track however, the band really isn't 'there' yet in terms of listenability and potential of enjoyment.

There is naught to do but wait for the next release.

Share this PSYOPUS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Conor Fynes
• Report this review (#232187)
• Buy PSYOPUS music online with PA partners
• Show all PSYOPUS MP3/Stream
• Go to PSYOPUS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Odd Senses page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for PSYOPUS related discussions