OGINALII – PENDULUM

It’s extremely difficult to define Nashville’s Oginalii. Oginalii (meaning “my friend” in Cherokee) blends chunks of sludge, psychedelia and metal to create music that is both beautifully complex and dramatically melodic. The band’s unconventional sound is totally unique. Like Birdmask, Oginalii breaks barriers with their intense creativity.

The band formed four years ago and consists of Emma Hoeflinger (Vocals/Guitar), Emma Lambiase (Bass), Ryan Quarles (Guitar) and Simon Knudtson (Drums). Oginalii released an E.P, , The Grey E.P. in 2017 and an album, Cause & Affection, in 2019 to critical acclaim.

Oginalii recently released another E. P. called Pendulum via the Devil In The Woods label. The new project is an amazing piece of art. Every song is unparalleled in its delicacy and heaviness. The dexterity of the band’s musicianship is seen throughout. Oginalii songs are like chainsaws riding a delicate wave of rhythm.

Pendulum‘s first offering is “Veils”. The song opens with Hoeflinger’s eerie vocals accompanied by a strumming guitar. Halfway through the full band explodes with a mountain of sonic turbulence. Quarles’ guitar and Lambiase’s bass are spectral in tone. Knudtson’s percussions are pounding and dirty. The next song up is the driving “Scapegoat”. The entire tune is a massive aural assault. Hoeflinger’s singular voice is in a world of its own. Quarles’ guitar is insanely vibrant. Each note is perfectly matched with the musical fury unleashed.

The sludge rears its exquisite head in “Pendulum”. The song is full of psychedelic and intense metal nuances. From its foreboding opening to the majesty of the crazed finish, the song’s groove is monstrous. “Black Hole” is a macabre ballad that is trippy and mysterious. The vocals and feel reminds me of Chelsea Wolfe.

In “Pillars”, Oginalii‘s ferocity returns. The song is delectable in its electrifying dynamic aura and mystifying perceptions. The piece is powerful and soaring. A true testament to the band’s audacity. “Stripped The Screw” is a fitting close to a very adventurous and imaginative release.

According to the Oginalii press release, The E.P. explores and recognizes the pain and growth one goes through during the transitional stages of life. Front woman Hoeflinger states, “I was thinking of the classic concept of Nature vs Nurture and what that really means to us as we exit our lives as children and critically look who we’ve become and what we believe as adults”.

Oginalii‘s Pendulum is an extraordinary project that uplifts the band to an elite status.

This is AMP’s first post of the new year. Scott (Steinberg), Anne Estella and myself want to say thank you to all our wonderful readers. The growth of the website has been nothing but stupendous.

It has been an atrocious year but also one of great inspiration. So much glorious music was conceived during this dreadful pandemic. Hopefully 2021 brings back tours and live shows. We wish everyone a healthy and safe 2021.
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Follow Oginalii : Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Stream their music: Spotify / Soundcloud / Bandcamp/ YouTube
Purchase: iTunes / Amazon

 

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