Don't let the outrageous name fool you. If you could distill unassuming, twee feelings into sonic form, you might have something closely resembling Ogre You Asshole.
Formed around 2004, the gentle indie rock foursome has released a slew of equally modest singles, mini-albums and just-barely-full-length efforts. These are all full of the band's extremely muted and flat sonic treatments. They are the opposite end of the spectrum from, say, Ling Tosite Sigure's frenetic production or Boris' wall of sound.
This isn't to say that their songs lack punch or sparkle. In fact many OYA songs have a habit of sneaking up on the listener. Of lulling them into a quiet reverie just before launching into a more cacophonous chorus or boisterous bridge. They keep their music just a bit on the raw side, something that sets them apart for a much more average, nice and safe rock band. Manabu Deto's light and gentle voice is able to shift effortlessly into something more aggressive and plaintive, just as their music makes subtle shifts and movements.
It's this clever credibility that proves Ogre You Asshole has a large cache of talent to draw upon, and something that allows them to release consistently great indie rock gems.
"Pinhole"
Official Site
MySpace
Members:
Manabu Deto - Guitar, Vocal
Kei Mabuchi - Guitar
Norihito Hiraide - Bass
Takashi Katsuura - Drums
Albums:
Fog Lamp - 2009
Shiranai Aizu Shiraseruko - 2008
Alpha Beta vs. Lambda - 2007
Heikin ha Sayuu Gyaku no Kitai - 2006
Ogre You Asshole - 2005
"Shiranai Aizu Shiraseruko"
"Advantage"
"Flag"
live
[updated 10-2009]
2 comments:
I actually went to see them perform along with Eastern Youth last year in Nagoya. I must say that they were absolutely awesome. It had a very "chill" atmosphere, and I think everyone in the audience really enjoyed their set.
I always feel funky when I hear their music. I think that the singer's voice is pretty original, and the melody-carrying guitars are pretty awesome.
Started listening to them in 2005, and I've yet to be disappointed with anything they've produced. Truly wonderful music.
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