Alright folks, let’s talk about the self-titled debut album from Okham’s Blazer. This one has been causing a stir in the music community since it’s release in April of 2022, and I’m here to give you my take on it.
First off, let me say that this album is a wild ride from start to finish described as “a reckless exchange of free energy” by the band themselves. Okham’s Blazer takes us on a journey of infectious motifs and songs that fuse elements of hip hop, punk, jazz funk, hard rock and even a touch of reggae ska together to create something mysterious yet very necessary. It’s a bold move for a debut album, but it pays off.
The standout tracks for me are Prison of Gold, Dirtbell (feat. Dizraelll), Drone and Laminate Intent all of which showcase the band’s impressive musicianship and songwriting skills. “Laminate Intent” is a high-energy, bass driven track with killer drums, haunting saxophone and poignant lyrics which make this song my personal favourite. But it’s not just the individual tracks that make this album great — it’s the way they all come together to create a cohesive listening experience. There’s a sense of progression and growth throughout the album, as if the band is taking us on a journey through their own musical evolution.
Overall, I have to say that Okham’s Blazer has knocked it out of the park with their debut album. They’ve proven themselves to be a versatile and talented band with a bright future ahead of them. Do yourself a favour and give this album a listen.
Ockham’s Blazer is a 7 piece nomad jazz group combining the talents of PremRock, Fresh Kils, Anthony Rinaldi, Guido Spannocchi & PRAQ!. Hailing from NYC, Toronto and Vienna, the making of this project spanned the talents of 7 musicians across 4 countries and 2 continents. Their album is available now on Fake Four Records!