Review Summary: Some good stuff right here
Omar S is a House music producer from Detroit, Michigan who first started releasing singles in a mere 2003. Although pretty underground, he has attracted a large range of fans through his live shows and products. His sound is quite minimal and he has definite soul influences through much of his music.
Just Ask the Lonely is definitely one of his best and a personal favorite of mine. The entire album has a lot of flavor to it and swing. Deep bass melodies are everywhere on this record and retain a lot of atmosphere to them, perfect for a night out on the dancefloor or to simply relax after a hectic day or long night.
Each track on
Just Ask the Lonely has its own personality and distinction, ultimately resembling a positive trait for the record. "Jit", although incredibly minimal, is a nice album opener and features a blurry melody, a few shakers/bells/whistles, and a gear-like noise that seems to flutter throughout the track. More friendly, "fun" tracks such as "Congaless" and "A Victim" are more jazz-tinged and feature loungy piano melodies, whereas other tracks such as "I Love You Alex" and "Just Ask the Lonely" have a significant emotional glow to them; both tracks seem to sound musically personal compared to most of the record. Personally though, I'd definitely consider "Just ask the Lonely" to be the emotional centerpiece for the album. The track begins with a simple rhythm and then gradually evolves into something greater and denser. Omar seems to take note of the piano on the track and that is reflected heavily; nothing but a few quivering piano keys are sculpted here, and they end up building flawlessly throughout the track. Atmosphere wise, this track is outstanding and shows a deep, reflective side to Omar.
On the opposite end, there are some darker and downright pulsating tracks on this record, both of which are heart-racing and an absolute blast. In particular, I found that "Strider's World" offered the best for this. Starting off with a simple, hard-hitting drum beat, the track is eventually intertwined with Atari, "Pacman" sounding retro sounds that seem to progress nicely through the track. A dark, ritualistic sounding synthesizer is tossed in about a quarter of a way through, and between the frantic Pacman sounds and this, they form an incredible and climatic track. "Out of Control" is another angry track. Atmosphere wise, this track closely sounds like you're lost in a dungeon or deep forest and can't manage to find your way out. Between the throbbing melody and dissonant vocal sound of a guy whispering "out of....control..control", this track is amazing.
The album itself is fantastic and near flawless, albeit a bit too minimal. The material here, although not complex or drawn out, is very hypnotizing and listenable. There's a sleek mix of both aggressiveness and soul on this album and it sure shows brightly through all of it. Anyone that likes the sound of House from the 80's, or needs nicotine in the form of music, this is it.
