Okay so OST are Birmingham’s latest post-dance indie offering with something to say about modern Britain, packaged in a soundtrack that’s ideal for the ‘cool’ tent at the summer’s festivals.
Upon first listen, the opening track 'Promises' offers a curious intro that makes you eager to find out what the rest of the record has to offer.
The next offering 'Wasteland' is a little same-old, and I can’t help feeling it will be highly forgettable since its’ sandwiched between the opening number and what is arguably the best track on the record. Track 3 is called 'We Are Machines' and is a particularly catchy number, destined for the playlists of Radio 1 and the like.
The title track 'So Many Souls' starts up with a slower pace and a beat that wouldn't sound out of place on a Libertines record. The lyrics are good too, but it’s the kind of tune that has already been done so eloquently by the likes of MGMT and leaves a lot to be desired in the originality stakes.
'Sunsets and Silence' follows, and by now the listener has a pretty good idea of where the remainder of the record is going. This is simple, no gimmicks music which is great in some places but a little bland in others, with repetitive chords and pretty much the same droney intro on every track (which is good for the first few numbers but wears a bit thin by the time you’ve reached 'Across the Skyline' and 'Always'). The format is standard; a slow intro, a well built up chorus and that textbook kick-drum interlude where the whole crowd clap in unison.
Being polite, 'God’s Electric Super Scene' is best described as a track ‘heavily influenced’ (rip-off, depending on your opinion) of Tiesto’s trance masterpiece ‘Elements of Life’. Clearly designed to be an anthem but my money’s still on Track 3.
The final track 'Opportunities' is quite similar and OST’s ability to make a lasting impact is questionable although it easy to see they have already been granted support slots for bands like Two Door Cinema Club; their upbeat euphoric choruses is perfect for fans of The Big Pink and General Fiasco but not worthy of the critical acclaim achieved by bands like these.
Ground breaking? No. Extraordinarily different from the rest of the scene? No. But well worth a listen if indie’s your thing.
Stereoboard Album Rating: 5/10
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The title track 'So Many Souls' starts up with a slower pace and a beat that wouldn't sound out of place on a Libertines record. The lyrics are good too, but it’s the kind of tune that has already been done so eloquently by the likes of MGMT and leaves a lot to be desired in the originality stakes.
