ONEIDA

Oneida is a really excellent band, one of the 21st century's finest. Their output is quite diverse, and sometimes whole albums seem like digressions, although generally they are fun and interesting ones. This is the album where they bear down and produce a focused, full bore masterpiece.

CD 1 represents their electronical playground basically with a hypnotic 40 minute trip, based on a blend of ... who the %*!# is this? ... dub, house and kraut elements ... possibly. The human factor is generously interpreted here with strange screaming statements. CD 2 though evolves into a rocking stoner psych direction with fantastic guitar work in generell. A haunting powerful outworking provided with several interfaces to garage/punk. Especially the song couple Ghost In The Room and Saturday is a worthy cause - tricky as no other.

CD 3 then is reserved for ONEIDA's spacey improv moments. O evolves to the RATED highlight - a floating piece of work, featuring a fantastic spirit! Sitar and guitar are harmonizing ... but also competing among themselves for the pole position in the same way ... decent organ loops in the background as well ... whilst Kid Millions adds a dramatic signature with his deep toned drum style.

The dark mooded and trancy End Of Time follows, embedded by two excellent space rock/kraut excursions, the first even coupled with raga elements. This reminds me of the Amon Düül 2 Yeti sessions in some way, great implementation! ONEIDA continue with the uptempo Folk Wisdom - twittering synths - walls, build up by space guitars, even comprising some really furious minutes in between where they offer a sweat-inducing performance for sure.

'Rated O' is an album which may leave one or two deeply caught in confusion. What is all the noise about? They must have already gone through all ups and downs you ever can imagine, so what will follow as for the third part of the triptych? Seriously - I'm really impressed! This is art, not junk. Okay - weird, hard to digest in parts, unique and inherently consistent anyhow. No risk, no fun! And don't forget to thank your parents!