Though the band insist that they're not a metal band, '90s heavy metal meets '70s punk rock would be my description of their sound. Since they also hate the "alternative" tag, let's just say that whichever rack this record finds itself in the stores, "easy listening" it won't be.
O-Matic (so called to celebrate the kind of tacky names given to products in the '50s to make them sound "modern") are a 4-piece band who like to make a lot of noise. And quickly. Their longest track is three and a half minutes, most of them average about two. No time to get bored with O-Matic.
The line-up of the band is Rob Tarbell on bass, (ex-Brainiac) Michelle Bodine on guitar and vocals, Scott Bodine on guitar and vocals and Will Gale on drums. Scott sings lead on several tracks, but personally I prefer Michelle's crazy/spoiled little girl vocals which remind me of the brattish Annabelle Lwin from '70s UK punk band, Bow Wow Wow.
I'd have expected a possible Breeders influence with the involvement of Kim Deal in the recording, but such songs as "Teenage Make-out King" sound closer to Sonic Youth. Other notable tracks include: "Push Pull" which echoes its title by a manic left/right call-and-response vocal over a driving beat; "Big Kiss" in which Michelle is totally convincing as someone who could (and probably would) really "kick your ass"; and "Flick The Roach" with it's catchy, though abrasive, riff is the nearest these guys are likely to get to a pop song. Dog lovers may also appreciate the cameo of cover star "Nelson" barking on the final uncredited track.
If you're looking for background music, look elsewhere. However, if you share Scott Bodine's affection for a noise that can make "your leg hairs move", pogo over to the store and buy this album.
