The Omens

Although the Omens still show a strong Cynics influence here, there are marked departures from the formula. For one, this is probably the best-sounding work in which singer Michael Daboll has been involved. All of the instrumentation has beautifully orchestrated separation, allowing the songs to breathe more while coming together...

By Tom Murphy

May 21, 2009

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Although the Omens still show a strong Cynics influence here, there are marked departures from the formula. For one, this is probably the best-sounding work in which singer Michael Daboll has been involved. All of the instrumentation has beautifully orchestrated separation, allowing the songs to breathe more while coming together for the hectic moments that are one of the band's hallmarks. Also, this is the best material we've seen from a group that has already had many fine moments. Instead of the hazed, manically oppressive sounds of earlier offerings, the Omens sound liberated and firing on all cylinders. "You Can't Come Back" and "She's Just Fine" are simply great psychedelic rock songs. Fun and exciting throughout, this is the sound of a band coming into its own.

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Tom Murphy is a writer, visual artist and musician from Aurora, Colorado. He was a prolific music writer for Westword and a documenter of the Denver music scene.

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