Also check out our review on THEDAILYCHORUS.com
Otenki - Making Sense of Static (7/10)
by Matt Nistler
Fact #1: During the time I spend online I check out countless numbers of bands as part of my personal quest to find the next big thing.
Fact #2: Often times when I'm on a band's Myspace/Web Page/Purevolume I'll scroll down to read their biography to get a feel for the band before I even hit “play” on a single song.
Fact #3: Even though you aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover, or for that matter a band by their Myspace biographical info, I still do. If the information on a band's page makes them sound highly inexperienced or gives the impression that they are just another neighborhood garage band then I'll probably pass on your band in favor of someone else with more developed tunes.
Fact #4: When I read in a band's biography that they have performed at The Taste of Chaos, The Vans Warped Tour and recently recorded with Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Mercy Mercedes, Senses Fail) all as an unsigned band then you had better believe I'll be sticking around to check out each and every note.
Who is this mystery band from "Fact #4”, you ask? Why it's none other than the Houston, Texas quintet, Otenki.
With such a strong music resume one would expect Otenki's latest, long in the works, release Making Sense of Static to be quite the solid album. I'm pleased to say that for the most part this is very much true. Paul Leavitt is one of my favorite producers and with Making Sense of Static he has once again produced a quality album.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what Otenki's sound is on this album. It would be easy to just call it a pop-rock album or to arbitrarily pick bands that they resemble, but for the most part Making Sense of Static combines many different sounds and styles to deliver something that has an original sound probably best described simply as “Otenki”.
The standout tracks on the album are the lead single The Tie That Binds and the title track. Both feature mad riffs and contagious melodies that really showcase what Otenki can do at their best.
With the presence of these heavier hitting rock elements from the previously mentioned tracks, one might assume the entire album would have this feel. Ah, but this is not the case as Otenki have some tricks up their sleeve. Listen to ten seconds of the track Empty Words and you'll be bombarded by synth and powerpop elements. I know I definitely didn't see it coming.
The feel of the rest of the EP continues in much the same fashion. As soon as you think you have Otenki's sound narrowed down as a straight up rock band, they'll randomly come at you with delicate keys, intricate guitars, or upbeat powerpop elements.
It may just be personal preference, but even though on paper everything is there (great production, catchy hooks, driving guitars) for this album to be spectacular, for some reason I still am left wanting a bit more. There seems to be some kind of “x-factor” missing that would make me completely enamored by the release and anxious to put the album on repeat.
Nevertheless, Otenki has clearly put much time and effort into this album and the “x-factor” is likely just me being picky. This band has all the resources needed to launch their musical career to the next level. Making Sense of Static is an enjoyable release that is sure please many. Be sure to check out this hardworking band's latest tunes and divulge in the diverse sound that is Otenki.
Artist: Otenki
Album: Making Sense of Static EP
Released: November 04, 2008
Label: Unsigned
Location: Houston, Texas
Purchase: Smartpunk
RIYL: The Goodwill, TREOS, Armor for Sleep, Senses Fail
Reviewed by: Matt Nistler
Posted by matt.nistler on October 14, 2008
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