The OddEven – Outer Space Outtakes
The OddEven – Outer Space Outtakes
Eclipse Records
Release Date: 14/03/2025
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
Yesterday my brother sent me a funny video short about Metalheads naming songs that are decades old as ‘current songs that will go down as classics’ because we just don’t realise how long they’ve been out for. It made me chuckle, but then it became a reality today when I sat down to write this album review. And here’s why…
The press release for the new album from USA Alt Metal/Post Grunge band, The OddEven grabbed my attention because of the album cover, and the fact it said it was ‘raucous and rebellious’ and I was feeling a bit that way at the time! But when I put it on my first thought was ‘It sounds like Ugly Kid Joe on the “Stairway To Hell” album a few years back.’ So, I decided to Google when that album was released… June 2012 ladies and gentlemen… FML I’m so getting old! It’s nearly 13 years since that was released, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Anyway, back in 2012, that album really struck me as being something different, and grittier than the friendly airwave-oriented Rock that Ugly Kid Joe played before, and I LOVED it! And I’ve not heard an album like it… until now.
Opening with ‘First Encounter’ The OddEven instantly take us on a journey into chugging, fuzzed and stoned guitars, vocals with more gravel than the local cement yard, and lyrics to match the drug-induced vibe that was instantly set! Did someone say mushrooms?!…
This sound is a constant theme throughout the album, with track after track of dirty sludgy Grunge that makes you pull ugly faces and contort your whole body it’s so pleasing. The vocal harmonies the Devil’s 5ths add an extra 90s Grunge dimension to the sound, while the wondering bass lines and rhythms keep it firmly planted in the now.
‘Come Home’ is a great track, and the closest we get to a stripped back ballad on the album. It really gives an opportunity to appreciate the sultry side of frontman Chris Volz’s vocals, during the verses. They’re smooth and silky, but powerful in the calm sections, and then they ramp it up again for the choruses. The final track of the album is another, extended version of this track, which is great, because you get to relive the banger in a longer format!
Every track has a hell of a groove to it too. It’s sexy music that oozes over you like silk sheets! And with the catchiness of the riffs and choruses, you can’t help but sing along, and groove along to this ear-serenading grimy Rock! And everything centring around the ‘tripping out/ being abducted by aliens’ lyrics makes it even better!
‘RIPG’ has a cracking opening riff, which then descends into probably the heaviest and most discordant track on the album. This is out and out dirty Sludge Doom Rock. There’s so much fuzz on the Bass that it’s almost impossible to pick out the changes between notes, which only become noticeable when the key changes! There’s a trippy section in the middle too, that’s been stuck through a flange loop to really extend the trippiness.
I love this album a lot. I love the sound. I love the groove. I love the lyrics. I love the harmonies. I love the dirty grittiness. This is going to be going on LOUD in my car! More please!
TRACKLISTING:
01. First encounter
02. Innocent
03. Come Home
04. We Gonna Go
05. Suffering
06. RIPG
07. Free
08. Soul
09. Come Home (extended version)
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Morait and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
