Odessa
Where: San Francisco Bathhouse
When: Friday 11 September
Good? Oh yeah…
If you’ve never heard them before, Odessa play garagefunk, with the funk of the Chillis and the jammy blues of Zep; they’re original, catchy and necessary in today’s CG music world. Hot, tight riffs, punky-funk guitar jabs, creamy-smooth bass lines with a bit of Claypool/Flea style slapping, some kicking beats and massive vox which make for a wicked jam. Get onto their website for a listen, read the bio, grab an album.
They’re a real talented bunch of fellas, and I was nothing but impressed with their performance.
Opening track ‘Sugar Pop’ was stuck in my head for a few days afterwards. These guys know how to write cool, catchy jams, and groove on them to keep it interesting.
Hails to Mark the soundman for keeping it not too loud, not too quiet. I was rocked, but my ears weren’t hurting in the morning. Also to band manager Ash for his contributions.
The rhythm section were tight as a vice, with Paul slappin’ n poppin’ n cruisin’ all over the neck of his bass, and drummer ‘Puba’ keeping the monks funky with his up-tempo grooves, Armitage’s guitar chops could fire through the air like the flick of the slick.
The vocalist, Pender, had the time of his life as he gyrated, danced, literally swam around the stage, and women melted into puddles of make-up and blushes. He’s one of the most dynamic vocalists I’ve seen in New Zealand music, he can sing, shout, scream, coo softly, yell and wail with the best. This guy is good with his voice.
I don’t want to over dissect it, so here it is: they love playing it, and you’ll love hearing it. Smiles on stage, and all through the crowd were had. Good, happy, healthy music for all—bring your friends!
The final Odessa show is 24 October at Bar Bodega. If you’re funky, be there!