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Short Bites

THE RIGHT OFFS

The Right Offs are an untamed rock and roll trio hailing from the confines of New Haven, Ct. The band has fostered a wild and crazed following on the strength of their live shows and strong songwriting. The Right Offs are singer/songwriter/guitarist Maxwell Omer, bassist/vocalist Than Rolnick and drummer Bob Rock. The group have released a series of albums and E.P.s since 2016 including a live recording, Live at the 9, in 2020. Live at the 9 showcases the band’s ferocious live set and masterful crowd command.

The Right Offs recently released their latest full length endeavor entitled Bardo. Bardo is a ten song testament to strong musicianship and dynamic songwriting. The album highlights the best of indie and straight rock and roll. The band exhibits an insane sense of maturity and sophistication throughout the record. Their songs are tiny little jewels that sparkle in the night.

Just listen to the opening song, “Bullets Don’t Lie”. From its opening whistle, slow strumming guitar and Omer’s sorrowful vocals till when the tune turns into a mid tempo rocker, the composition is captivating. The song is a total musical triumph and each song just gets stronger and stronger. “Roses Cut from Black” is another gem. Omer’s vocals are forceful and decisive. His guitar is full of energy and grit. The rhythm section of Rolnick and Rock is spot on. Every note fills in perfectly.

“Daylight” is a moody song full of twists and turns. The eerie soundscape is beautifully engaging. Next up is the countrified ballad “Always Room for You” which manifests another facet of The Right Offs. This song is a true validation of the band’s poise and finesse. “Post Bone Savvy” is a fun and enjoyable romp that embodies the band excellent use of tuneful flair. The guitar is crunchy and emboldened and the bass line is superb. Rock’s drums are pounding. The whole song is boisterous with really cool quirky vocals.

Bardo‘s last two songs continues the blast. “Parlor Tricks” is a garage rock infused cavort with jangly guitars and a firm back beat. The underlining nuances embedded in the tune are clever. The Right Offs end with the blues laden “Sometimes Friends Are Near” A ideal finish to a highly absorbing album. Kudos to the band.

Bardo was recorded at Birds Eye Studio, West haven Ct. It was produced and mixed by The Right Offs and Jon Conine with addition engineering by Tom Stringer and Steve Hill.

The Right Offs were kind enough to answer a few questions for AMP.

AMP: The Right Offs are known for their vibrant and energetic live shows. How do you translate that fire onto a studio album?

[THAN] We always sort of play like we’re on stage so it comes through. We also recorded most of Bardo playing live together.

[MAX] The band intentionally translates it for the studio. Purposefully writing to allow ourselves to be free on stage and then feeling that energy and cycling back in our writing.

[BOB] I agree with Than and Max. We’re always pushing ourselves but also leaving room for spontaneity and simmer. Seems to have worked so far!!

AMP: Bardo is a brilliant release. What do you feel contributed to the explosive and creative music on the record?

[THAN] Thanks AMP! We worked a lot on it and had a huge amount of help from engineer Jon Conine as well.

[MAX] I think we just buckled down and really pushed ourselves to work hard.

[BOB] We really put a lot of time and energy into it. Way more than anything else I have been part of. Max also writes some of the best songs, so that makes it easier.

AMP: What do you feel are the strong points of the New Haven music scene?

[THAN] The people, bands and fans!

[MAX] The music scene in New Haven has got some very passionate folks who enjoy digging people’s music.

[BOB] New Haven has always had a vibrant scene that pretty much never seems to falter. Diversity, support and some really talented people really makes it work. It’s also not too big of a city.

AMP: What’s in store for The Right Offs in 2021?

[THAN] More new music and playing live again.

[MAX] 2021 will bring another album and gigs.

[BOB]  Are we supposed to mention the new music yet? (Laughs). I know for sure that we reeeally wanna play a bunch of shows. Maybe hit the road by year’s end. Maybe that’s being a little ambitious…..

AMP: Best New Haven pizza?

[THAN] Clam and bacon at Modern.

[MAX] Modern pizza.

[BOB] This is a difficult question but I have to say the eggplant and artichoke at Modern. So yeah, unanimously Modern!

AMP want to thank the band for their time and energy.

To learn more about The Right Offs, check out their website

Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud

Purchase:  Bandcamp / Amazon 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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