Onan

Demo CD

Play 90 second soundbite of 'Stars' @ 'CD quality'

Just two tracks here, 'Tomorrow' and 'Stars', from an experienced band that's obviously very competent and very well practised. It's one of those 'big' 70's sounds with loads of riffs that remind the listener of some of the best bands of that era. That's not to say they've ripped anything off in particular - there's just hints now and again and 'it's all done in the best of tastes'.

The opener, 'Tomorrow', suffers a little as it begins from a sort of 'rubbery' sound - somewhat muffled for some reason, but the message does get across. It's a fastish piece and sets things up in an OK sort of way. It's not the greatest song in the world but there again I'm sure they don't pretend that it is either!

'Stars' is a sort of rock protest song utilising Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream' monologue against some nice piano and intro vocals. The whole thing then takes off with some impressive, heavyish riffs that's totally in keeping with Onan's retro style. This is actually a very good track, if a little 'predictable' and somewhat staid in its approach. What it does do is show that Onan are pretty damn good at what they do. It's a well structured, well played piece that'd go down well in a live scenario - an anthem-like piece really. Think early Genesis. Think 'light' Rainbow. Think 'big' sound with lots of crescendo's etc. And now you're there!!

As a demo and an introduction to Onan this aint too bad. It certainly lays down their style and feel. OK, so it's a bit retro but there's no denying that it's pretty impressive all the same. So, if that 70's 'big' sound with meaningful lyrics and quality musicianship is your bag, then I'm sure Onan will push all the right buttons. Whether there's much of a future or a place in the current and very difficult music scene I don't really know. I'm sure that Onan will get many well deserved gigs and they'll almost certainly blow their audiences away. But, it may not be everyone's choice for a night out nowadays - having said all that, I'd give 'em a 'looksee' and probably enjoy every minute of it - old git that I am!!

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