There's something cool about how Oneida operates. In a lot of ways, they're a traditional psych-rock outfit. Their sound contains all the phased drums, yawning guitar drones, and whiny, unrefined vocals of your token Nuggets band. Yet, there's an inspiring otherness to the group, one of a freaky tribal essence that trumps any of the Sunburned Hand of the Man that I've heard in terms of sheer hypnotic seizure authority. That's not to say they're better than that SHoftM. They're just more direct. They remind one of that drawn-out scene in The Doors, where Morrison lurches through the crowd on an impossibly long microphone chord for a fantastical rendition of "Break On Through" that actually does manage to break on through.
This is particularly true in the band's more drawn out songs. While their stabs at psych piss pellets come off without a hitch, they're more like rehearsals for the gigantic mindfuck reward of pulverizing, gaping feats of percussive release. In the case of this four song EP, the build up is not as enjoyable as usual for these guys, but the pay-off, "Hakuna Matata" is a sheer, nihilistic joy to be sucked into. I find I tend to have higher expectations for EPs, because they have the opportunity to leave more of an immediate impact. EPs can also serve as a lark for a given band to embark upon, giving the listener a sweet companion piece to a more characteristic full length. For Oneida, this idiotically titled little mini-album is like one of their full lengths condensed.
"Summerland" is an ugly little walnut with a blazing sax solo at the end, while "Inside My Head" is some that classic psych-rock I was talking about. The latter moves and grooves in an inviting way that eases the greasy crevice glurp of the preceding track. It's followed by a spindly little drum machine and banjo led thumper called "Song Y." This is the biggest departure for the group, as it suggests a more plaintive, mellow Oneida. The band should continue in this vein for some of their next LP. So, while it may not be a solid enough EP to recommend whole-heartedly, (I really wish they'd done more with "Song Y") there is some more of that flamboyant Each One Teach One kind of onslaught in the form of the last track -- a track that I'm sure many of you out there will get strange, tripped-out kicks from, despite the fact that the concept could ultimately be considered somewhat slight. Oneida isn't necessarily for drug-heads, but -- waitaminute -- yeah it is. Whoops!
1. Summerland
2. Inside My Head
3. Song Y
4. Hakuna Matata
More about: Oneida
