O.M.F (Ol' MoFo's)
So we were contacted a while back about O.M.F., an acronym for the term Ol’ Mofo’s, about some of their tracks on their reverb nation page. Describing themselves as a hard rock blues influenced power trio known for their hot grooves and vocal harmonies, as well as their sometimes humorous lyrics, the guys have developed their skills and abilities through their extensive backgrounds and experience in the NYC music scene. I figured that based on all of this, the least I could do would be to check out what they had on offer to see what I thought about things!
Opening the selection with One Four Five it’s easy to see the experience and skill within the band, straight away tossing us into a dark and bluesy take on hard rock fuelled by sludgy bass lines and groove orientated guitar licks. Fading things back to the most basic of elements to fully accentuate the vocal line, the track seems to adopt a groovy yet somehow dirty approach to things, forming a sound which is sure to get asses shaking, beers flowing, and people loving every second of what they’re hearing. Even going so far as to throw in Southern Rock tinged elements, this is a great introduction to a band and something which sets them up for a lot of people to hook onto them.
Churches And Bars (check out the video below) continues the hard rocking and blues orientated approach to making music, this time hammering out an opening riff straight out of the blues handbook and forming a sound which is sure to make you want to get involved. Dirty grooves abound as the gravelly vocals come in to take the lead, continuing to push the sound and pushing the track further and further into your subconscious with each moment of it. Also adding in a real sense of catchiness to this track, this si one which is sure to be a favourite on the live scene, the sort of thing which gets everyone singing along, joining in and loving every moment of it. Rise Up reverts back to the more hard rock roots of the band, this time offering up a straight down the line rock track designed for a damned good time. Showing off the blues influences through the guitar work and vocal line, this is one which is testament to why you should be checking these guys out. Catchy once again, we’re three tracks in and each one so far has pushed the boundaries of the band, each track showing off their style and each moment hooking you in further. What really stood out to me about this track was the lyrics, there’s a message here telling people to rise up, something which pushes the track to a new level and shows that there’s a more technical edge to the band as well as their musical ability.
Rock n Roll Fang shows off the more humorous side of the band, crafting a track perfect for this time of year and pushing an almost spooky edge to things. There’s something about this track which I really enjoyed, whether it was the quality lyrical content or the dirty guitar lines which push the whole thing I don’t know, but what I know is that this is one of my favourite tracks off of the selection here. Straight forward drums push the bass heavy mix and give you a track which will get you moving, get you drinking, and make you love what you’re hearing. We’re only left then with Five Alarm Fire to close the selection for us, offering up one more blues orientated, riff fuelled and powerful track to secure a guys a slot amongst your favourites from here onwards. Faster and more intense from the off, this final track shows off the heavier side of the band whilst still managing to keep a real sense of melody at the heart of the track. Combining the elements to perfection once again, this final track may well close the selection for us, but it opens up a question for me – where can I find more of this?
I love it when we find bands like these guys as they remind you of what real music is, and why it’s so damned infectious. It’s important to remember that this is just a three piece band, yet the sound they’re hammering out is deep, powerful, and downright dirty from start to finish. A band I’d love to get the chance to check out live for sure, this is one to make sure you get out there and check out.
To find out more about O.M.F, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening the selection with One Four Five it’s easy to see the experience and skill within the band, straight away tossing us into a dark and bluesy take on hard rock fuelled by sludgy bass lines and groove orientated guitar licks. Fading things back to the most basic of elements to fully accentuate the vocal line, the track seems to adopt a groovy yet somehow dirty approach to things, forming a sound which is sure to get asses shaking, beers flowing, and people loving every second of what they’re hearing. Even going so far as to throw in Southern Rock tinged elements, this is a great introduction to a band and something which sets them up for a lot of people to hook onto them.
Churches And Bars (check out the video below) continues the hard rocking and blues orientated approach to making music, this time hammering out an opening riff straight out of the blues handbook and forming a sound which is sure to make you want to get involved. Dirty grooves abound as the gravelly vocals come in to take the lead, continuing to push the sound and pushing the track further and further into your subconscious with each moment of it. Also adding in a real sense of catchiness to this track, this si one which is sure to be a favourite on the live scene, the sort of thing which gets everyone singing along, joining in and loving every moment of it. Rise Up reverts back to the more hard rock roots of the band, this time offering up a straight down the line rock track designed for a damned good time. Showing off the blues influences through the guitar work and vocal line, this is one which is testament to why you should be checking these guys out. Catchy once again, we’re three tracks in and each one so far has pushed the boundaries of the band, each track showing off their style and each moment hooking you in further. What really stood out to me about this track was the lyrics, there’s a message here telling people to rise up, something which pushes the track to a new level and shows that there’s a more technical edge to the band as well as their musical ability.
Rock n Roll Fang shows off the more humorous side of the band, crafting a track perfect for this time of year and pushing an almost spooky edge to things. There’s something about this track which I really enjoyed, whether it was the quality lyrical content or the dirty guitar lines which push the whole thing I don’t know, but what I know is that this is one of my favourite tracks off of the selection here. Straight forward drums push the bass heavy mix and give you a track which will get you moving, get you drinking, and make you love what you’re hearing. We’re only left then with Five Alarm Fire to close the selection for us, offering up one more blues orientated, riff fuelled and powerful track to secure a guys a slot amongst your favourites from here onwards. Faster and more intense from the off, this final track shows off the heavier side of the band whilst still managing to keep a real sense of melody at the heart of the track. Combining the elements to perfection once again, this final track may well close the selection for us, but it opens up a question for me – where can I find more of this?
I love it when we find bands like these guys as they remind you of what real music is, and why it’s so damned infectious. It’s important to remember that this is just a three piece band, yet the sound they’re hammering out is deep, powerful, and downright dirty from start to finish. A band I’d love to get the chance to check out live for sure, this is one to make sure you get out there and check out.
To find out more about O.M.F, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls