Ayr 4 piece aim to bring the best of Nu Metal and Shoegaze with their debut album.
My high school, Madras College, was split into 2 schools. The 1st-3rd years at one school, and the 4th-6th years at the other. When I moved to that older school, I was in a whole new world of music and teen culture. It was 2002 and the peak of the pop-punk and Nu-Metal eras. Everyone in my school had baggy jeans but defined their social groups with which bands were on their oversized hoodies.
Oscura’s debut album In Another Light takes me right back to those days. One of the bands from that era that I still listen to regularly and still absolutely love is Deftones and I can see a bit of an influence here for Oscura. There are riffs sure, but there’s ear candy, dynamics, and a good range of emotions in the vocal/lyrics, too.
I’ve got to say that a huge highlight of this album for me is the drums. Absolutely pounding throughout and that snare pop… *Chef’s kiss. In fact, the production throughout is impressive with each instrument sounding great and sitting perfectly in its own space. I’m loathe to pick a favourite song because they all shine. Perfect headbanging moments and floaty periods of introspection.
I don’t really want to tell you anything else because it will just take away all the tasty wee surprises that this album holds, like we used to get in the albums of old. The little nuggets of happiness for fans of heavy music that just feel so good. Like when water leaves your ears after a shower, or a box fits snugly between two shelves, or when you throw a ball of paper into the bin. I will say, if you like Deftones and Queens of the Stone Age, this album is absolutely up your street.
I’m excited to see how Oscura progress in the coming years.
I bet they’re awesome live, too.
