Onism E – Survivors

Alternative rock bands are popping up from every possible direction, and the percentage of the good ones goes beyond comprehension every time I decide to search for some alternative rock music. However, I rarely have an opportunity to write a review about the groups who’re lyrically touching more than a regular alternative rock base. Somehow, the vast majority of those bands are solely focusing on washed-up alt-rock themes, covered by pioneers of the genre on so many occasions. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Onism E, a group that changes the lyrical direction of the modern alt-rock scene. Backed up with experience and personal observations, Onism E illustrates the turbulent contemporary society, criticizes the recent injustices done to humanity, and rejects the new norms. Just blend up these profoundly detailed lyrics with excellent performance, and you got yourself Survivors, their debut full-length recording.

Survivors provides seven detailed compositions deeply rooted in the fundamentals of an alternative rock sound, but Onism E offers even more polyphonous delicacies as the album proceeds. You may notice some seventies rock, soul, rhythm and blues, and indie rock articulations during the entire album, but these ingredients serve more as accentuations that are highlighting particular moments. Right with the initial beats of Survivors, you may hear how this material resonates in a sophisticated manner, but the group also tends to spice things up when necessary. A highly emotional vocal performance of Eline Chavez will lead you through this thoroughly planned exploration through soulful, meaningful, heartfelt compositions, which differ quite a lot comparing to the alternative rock tunes you’re stumbling upon at the local radio stations every day. She incorporates singing technics that define some renowned vocal performers, such as Joan Jett, Eddie Vedder, Bonnie Raitt, and Melissa Etheridge, so now you realize why I mentioned a strong seventies rock/rhythm and blues background of the group.

The rhythm section completely nails it throughout the entire album. Perfectly produced drumming performance encapsulates the best qualities of alternative rock drumming through detailed rhythmic segments, accentuations performed by continuous splashing over the cymbals, and thoughtfully arranged drum fills. These rhythmic segments are solely responsible for the well-balanced dynamics of the Survivors. Warm-sounding basslines devotedly follow these acrobatics but also support the guitar performance with some engaging low-end tones. The guitars are contributing to this mixture by emitting some complex improvisations, harmonies, melodies, and other guitar licks. Generous servings of the reverb are layering these improvisations, so you’ll get the feeling you’re listening to some contemporary post-rock album at some moments. However, these instrumentations are appropriately applied to the alternative rock foundations of the group.

The entire group works like a charm during the complete material, so you will enjoy their outstanding performance from scratch to finish. Survivors bends the strict rules of the contemporary alternative rock sound by improving its form and transforming it into something much more sophisticated, complex, and ear-appealing. Besides exceptional music performance, this material carries a meaningful message about turbulent times that struck upon contemporary society. Survivours is available at streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Youtube.