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‘Blood’-y brilliant

And then there were two...

Unbeknownst to me I just didn’t realise that this was the third OSI release. I was a big fan of the debut, for some reason I have completely missed out the sophomore release, ‘Free’ which was released in 2006. OSI is an acronym for a government agency (Office of Strategic Influence) that was formed after September 11th, 2001 to promote US causes both here in the United States and abroad. Their first album, Office of Strategic Influence, was noticeably political-minded.

OSI now comprises (as did Free) of the mega talented pair of Jim Matheos (Guitars, Keys and programming), and Kevin Moore (Vox, keys and programming). Joining them for Blood are guests, Gavin Harrison (Drums, Porcupine Tree), and vocalist for one track, aptly chosen title of ‘Stockholm’, the God-like Mikael ...kerfeldt (Opeth), well he is in my house.

O.S.I. have succeeded in creating a fascinating album at the cutting edge of Rock, Electronica and Progressive Metal, equal parts Dream Theater, Depeche Mode (I know it’s strange), Porcupine Tree.

O.S.I. unites two exceptional composers who share their penchant for the unusual and are on the same artistic wavelength. “We have different musical tastes but an unspoken musical understanding" Moore enthuses. The creative process which produced Blood lasted more than a year. In their now familiar long distance collaboration Matheos sent his ideas via email to Moore, who honed them to his own taste before mailing the results back to Matheos.

Opening track ‘The Escape Artist’ really sets out their stall for the whole album, it’s a real crunchy riff, with electronic undertones, mixed with Moore’s subdued hypnotic vocals, making it one of my highlights of the year to date. “You move mysterious, but you speak in gibberish. You can take your memories, I’m off I better be alone, alone..” I just cannot stop listening to this infectious song. This infectiousness runs through the whole album, whether it’s being played in your face or as incidental background music. Turn off the lights, stick the headphones on and enjoy the whole experience. ‘Terminal’ is a brooding number, ‘False Start’ is a powerful heavier rocker, with ‘Be the Hero’ the last really heavy song on the album.

The second half of the album falls within the sound from the OSI debut, starting with 'Radiologue'. 'Microburst Alert' is the sole instrumental track with dialogue going on here between a pilot and air traffic control, but it’s about the music and not the underlying conversation. ‘Stockholm’ was co-written by Kerfeldt, and it’s my fave non-growly Kerfeldt which turns up. It’s pretty close to a Porcupine Tree song, with the subdued vocals, and is a step removed from the other songs on the album.