Sons of Otis
X

May 2005
Released: 2005, Small Stone Records
Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Existing in the void since anno 1996, Toronto’s own Sons of Otis have been causing aural havoc for nigh on a decade, taking any and all willing listeners on a journey through the cosmos on three releases, beginning with the awesomely titled SPACEJUMBOFUDGE. Two releases were then launched with the help of Man’s Ruin Records before that label was sucked into the black hole. X is the cosmonauts’ fourth release and it continues the galactic trek.

In case you’re wondering, all of the hackneyed space-inspired imagery in the previous paragraph was for a purpose – namely that Sons of Otis is obsessed with the “out there” from their packaging, right down to the insidious grooves in their music. If classic ‘70’s Hawkwind was heavied up, growly, even MORE drugged out, but still possessed of their indomitable exploratory spirit, you’d have Sons of Otis. These three dudes are creating some insane soundscapes here, lead forth by the mandatory sludgy guitars. But man oh man, do Ryan Aubin’s drums just boom! The man is obviously the Scotty of this ship, making sure the engines are always running hot.

Once again though, I have to quietly back away from all of the commotion. See, I’ve never been one to fall in with this space-rock brigade, and I don’t do acid, thus much of what is contained within the X is lost on me. That being said, there is more than enough fuel in here for the space brigade to get their fix so strap it on if you’re able.