SpenniesThe Optionals - S/T
July 11th 2006 03:14
THE OPTIONALS
Self-titled album (2003)
Shock Records
Hear the title track from their "Believe or Burn" EP @ myspace
Upon the release of their debut album, Sydney's The Optionals were a 5-piece melodic rocky punk outfit with a horn section ala Rocket From The Crypt style. Nowadays the band is stripped back to a 3-piece (no horns and a different drummer) and don't play anywhere near as regularly as they used to.
The first thing that really hits me when I listen to this album is just how tight the band is. The songs are fairly straight-forward, but not generic at all. Basically, it's easy to listen to and it's interesting. I think the chemistry between the guys in the band really shines - it's one of those things where everything just works well. Everybody has their own seperate thing to do but it all comes together perfectly. For evidence of the rhythm section really letting go, listen to the last instrumental track "Wing It" which reminds of the more experimental stuff Descendents/ALL play at the end of their albums.
The combination of saxaphone and trumpet are used to create more of a solid rhythm section and drive the riffs, rather than play their own dominant melodies. I think they pull it off great and really achieved a unique sound ("horny rock", as they coined it). Aside from a couple of slower numbers, the whole album is really quite fast and furious punk rock, with vocalist/guitarist Johnny putting everything in his arsenal out there. From sweet melodic phrasing to huge roaring screams, he's got quite a diverse range - evident in the cool rocky "Aim Low Get High". Another Optionals trademark is the awesome vocal harmonies. This is where that word "chemistry" comes to mind again - they're just so good with meshing their voices together, I find that it is usually the driving force behind the chorus, or it's what gives a song it's spark. My favourite tracks on offer are the ones where the vocals really shine through, like "Forces We Do Understand" the awesome "So Long Lungs" and equally tops "Danger Game." It's a real shame that their drummer at the time Ross has since left the band, as he added a real dynamic presence in drumming and vocals, but alas, I have seen them with their new(ish) drummer and can confirm that he fills the shoes quite substantially.
What can I say. I just really love this album, it's completely rocking, catchy, and quite unique. Everyone in the band is a gun at their instrument and frontman Johnny is a total riff-machine. I thought when this was released they were on the verge of completely taking over, instead they lost their horn section and the rhythm section absconded to post-hardcore group Grand Fatal (bass player Nick has since returned to The Optionals). It's funny how things have a way of working out.
I'm glad to see they are still playing, having released an EP in 2005 and I think have plans to put something else out soon. I recommend everyone to check it out, because it really sucks when something this good falls through the cracks.
Self-titled album (2003)
Shock Records
Hear the title track from their "Believe or Burn" EP @ myspace
Upon the release of their debut album, Sydney's The Optionals were a 5-piece melodic rocky punk outfit with a horn section ala Rocket From The Crypt style. Nowadays the band is stripped back to a 3-piece (no horns and a different drummer) and don't play anywhere near as regularly as they used to.
The first thing that really hits me when I listen to this album is just how tight the band is. The songs are fairly straight-forward, but not generic at all. Basically, it's easy to listen to and it's interesting. I think the chemistry between the guys in the band really shines - it's one of those things where everything just works well. Everybody has their own seperate thing to do but it all comes together perfectly. For evidence of the rhythm section really letting go, listen to the last instrumental track "Wing It" which reminds of the more experimental stuff Descendents/ALL play at the end of their albums.
The combination of saxaphone and trumpet are used to create more of a solid rhythm section and drive the riffs, rather than play their own dominant melodies. I think they pull it off great and really achieved a unique sound ("horny rock", as they coined it). Aside from a couple of slower numbers, the whole album is really quite fast and furious punk rock, with vocalist/guitarist Johnny putting everything in his arsenal out there. From sweet melodic phrasing to huge roaring screams, he's got quite a diverse range - evident in the cool rocky "Aim Low Get High". Another Optionals trademark is the awesome vocal harmonies. This is where that word "chemistry" comes to mind again - they're just so good with meshing their voices together, I find that it is usually the driving force behind the chorus, or it's what gives a song it's spark. My favourite tracks on offer are the ones where the vocals really shine through, like "Forces We Do Understand" the awesome "So Long Lungs" and equally tops "Danger Game." It's a real shame that their drummer at the time Ross has since left the band, as he added a real dynamic presence in drumming and vocals, but alas, I have seen them with their new(ish) drummer and can confirm that he fills the shoes quite substantially.
The Optionals current line-up
What can I say. I just really love this album, it's completely rocking, catchy, and quite unique. Everyone in the band is a gun at their instrument and frontman Johnny is a total riff-machine. I thought when this was released they were on the verge of completely taking over, instead they lost their horn section and the rhythm section absconded to post-hardcore group Grand Fatal (bass player Nick has since returned to The Optionals). It's funny how things have a way of working out.
I'm glad to see they are still playing, having released an EP in 2005 and I think have plans to put something else out soon. I recommend everyone to check it out, because it really sucks when something this good falls through the cracks.
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