Omni - Paint By Numbers

Year of Release: 2002
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 34:32:00

This review is excerpted from Clayton's May 4, 2003 The Prog Life column found here -ed.

A modern-rock band with prog sensibilities, Omni know the meaning of dynamic. On the first track, "Paint By Numbers," for example, laid-back vocals overlaying almost ambient backgrounds suddenly explode with distorted guitars. The second track, on the other hand, features a complex bass line that chugs below the lead vocal, while staccato guitar accents decorate the verses and metal guitar detonates in the choruses. If Omni have a signature sound, it's how most songs feature verses with vocals over a drums/bass background, with the guitar coming forward mostly in the choruses.

My only criticism is the vocal arrangements. One expects the vocalist, who is a good enough singer, to reach for higher registers in the choruses, or at least belt them out with extra energy, but he always stays at an level keel, something that detracts from the otherwise great arrangements. Still, the songs, which are creative and darkly atmospheric, are the real stars here. In fact, modern rock doesn't get much better than this, without becoming fully progressive. Of special interest is that the album was produced by Chris Ronan Murphy, who has worked with King Crimson.

Tracklisting:
Paint By Numbers (4:55) / Every Day (4:04) / Porcelain (4:52) / C (4:48) / Inward (2:47) / Capture (4:21) / Release (5:52) / Soliloquy (4:13)

Musicians:
Hans Twite - vocals, guitar
Chris Cullman - bass, stick
Will Andrews - drums

Discography:
Paint By Numbers (2001)
EP (2004)
Ghosts (2007)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: May 4th 2003
Reviewer: Clayton Walnum

Artist website: www.omni-music.com
Hits: 2823
Language: english