Ohm
Live on KPFK 90.7 FM

May 2004
Released: 2004, Lion Music
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Last year’s OHM album was a breath of fresh air to these ears. Irreverent, ethereal, and just plain fun, the disc was a wonderful diversion from all of the intense metal released in 2003. Led by Chris Poland, and featuring two insanely talented rhythm men in Pag and Kofi Baker, Ohm is a wacky fusion trio that plays basically whatever they feel like. Although a definite showcase for Poland’s skills as a guitarist, the band is more than wank session, as they managed to craft some great songs as well.

Last year the band managed to get booked like on radio station KPFK FM’s “Travel Tips” show and proceeded to play a mind-blowing set of musicality that they thankfully managed to record. Playing a selection of songs from the OHM disc, as well as mixing in some new numbers like the eccentric “Photograph”, the band blazes through a 40-minute set that is simply jaw-dropping in its power and skill.

Though there are some moments that kind of go out of whack (like the unneeded “Jam at Tony’s”) the entire album is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through three twisted musical minds. The jams on “Peanut Buddha” and “Where’s my Hat?” are enough to drive any musician wild with envy. But that’s the thing with Ohm, they are among elite, the best of the best at their craft, able to solo wildly and yet build coherent songs around them that are equally enjoyable.

While not metal in any sense of the imagination, I think the band is still accessible to metalheads beyond the fact that it is Chris Poland. Anyone who is passionate about guitar, bass, or drums, should here these guys and allow themselves to lost in the sounds. Live or in the studio, it does not matter, Ohm rules.