OKINAWA

US ensemble OHO was formed in 1973 and is still an active unit today, rapidly closing in on its 40th anniversary: Not without a fair share of challenges and line-up alterations along the way however, the financial ones of the former often making a large impact on the latter. "Okinawa" was their first-ever production, initially issued as a privately pressed vinyl LP in 1974, reissued on CD in the 90's, and now remastered and reissued again in 2010.

If you generally enjoy challenging progressive rock as it was made in the 70's, and in particular if you fancy a band emphasizing the lyrical and vocal dimensions of that approach, you'll most likely find Oho's "Okinawa" to be an interesting experience. Not without faults, but with 30 creations to explore there should be plenty of material to enjoy even if a few should be given the skip.

"The year 1974, when prog was prog ... "

OHO was an unique USA four piece formation from the second half of the Seventies, nicknamed "Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd". In 2010 the label Rockadrome released the original LP from 1974 (15 tracks) as a CD, including 15 'session tracks' as bonus material, in total a running time of 74 minutes.

Listening to OHO is a captivating musical adventure, this is progressive rock in the true meaning of the word. I notice hints of Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa, but OHO has blended this inspiration with many strong musical ideas, a lot of variety and frequently shifting moods.

Psychedelic organ, rock guitar and avant-garde piano in Hyphenate Ice-less.

A catchy rhythm with fiery guitar and Zappa-like vocals in Horse Remorse.

Rock-and-roll piano with electric guitar and saxophone in A Frog For You.

Psychedelic organ and hypnotizing drums, followed by a swinging piano and again Zappa-like vocals in Higshead.

A bluesy climate featuring lush Mellotron waves in The Silent Sickle Sucker.

A funny atmosphere with trumpet in Fast Bananas.

Warm vocals and intense Mellotron work in Gotta Write A Poem.

And avant-garde piano with wah-wah guitar and propulsive drums in Board Organ.

Very surprising is the final composition Plague: lots of variety and wonderful Mellotron and organ play, often very compelling.

Especially in the first part of the Seventies progressive rock was pure adventure, just listen to OHO!

My rating: 3,5 star.