If you're already a fan of Om you might be
shocked at how short this record is. It clocks in at something like 35 minutes
(the opening track "Thebes" takes up almost half that), which in
no way compares to the sprawling, meditative work that Al
Cisneros composed on Om's 2005 Variations on a Theme or the 2006 Conference of
the Birds. With
a pummeling yet hypnotic bass and drums attack, Cisneros and
former drummer Chris Hakius carved out a very specific space for themselves
within the metal realm (be it black metal, instrumental, speed, stoner or
avant-doom) and delivered an intensity that other groups with twice the number
of players simply could not match.
On the new Drag City release God
Is Good, the
sharp interaction between Cisneros and new drummer Emil Amos
benefit from the production of Steve Albini (he recorded Om's 2007 Pilgrimage), and it's clear from the
album's packaging ÐÐ three out of four photos feature the two band members
and Albini ÐÐ that Om wants us to understand that this is a collaborative
effort. Not a bad situation. Albini has long been revered (or vilified,
depending on where your ears are) for simply capturing what is there. Amos
is definitely an adventurous drummer, opting for more freeform jazz fills
and dubbed-out Lee Perry rolls than his predecessor Hakius' washing cymbal
work and unobtrusive style. Add Cisneros' monklike chanted vocal style to
the rumbling drone and the results can be transcendent.
Considering this formula
works so well, it's curious that Om has decided to complicate the sound on
God Is Good.
After the nearly 20-minute workout of "Thebes"we are left with the
relatively brief "Meditation Is the Practice of Death" and
"Cremation Ghat I and Cremation Ghat II." Contributions from
talented guests like multi-instrumentalists Rob Lowe (Lichens) and Lorraine
Rath and an uncredited cellist only seem to clutter the proceedings. It's
always admirable when artists take risks and stretch out from their
respective comfort zones, and the temptation to use all available
tools in the studio can prove difficult to ignore. In Om's particular case
addition only leads to subtraction. What Om does best is traffic in
expansive, meditative sounds. And meditation is best achieved
through simplicity.
