Review Summary: OKT’s Better Late Than Never is a creative fusion of various musical forms and impressive vocals.
This debut album by Southern California’s Reggae band “OKT” is a dream come true for the band itself and for their fans. Fans of the band have waited patiently for this release. In the meantime, Phil Montano (vocals), Aram Gonzalez (guitar), Jesse Gonzales (drums), and Ralph Licea (bass) have taken the album through rigorous planning and an aggressive timeline over the last year to present a final product that reflects the band’s skill, work ethic, and love for the music they make. As someone who has followed the band’s progress over the last two years, I am more than thrilled with the result.
The soulful tone of “Huggy Bear” launches a sepia colored flashback through childhood and paints the musical opening scene for OKT’s debut album, Better Late Than Never. Paired with an intricate combination of jazz and blues, this song elegantly features the four primary elements that make up the the entire album: striking guitar chords, consistent bass, precise drum patterns, and dramatic vocals. But, while these elements remain consistent throughout the album, subsequent songs create varying interactions between them for a surprising and impressive musical dynamic charged with varying tones that oscillate through a Reggae-Rock backbone.
Throughout the album, the music picks up speed with crisp guitar riffs and spirited drum beats, creating a lively yet compartmentalized listening experience. The band skillfully and repeatedly tests the malleability of music, sometimes bringing the rhythm to a standstill with only a few notes from the bass lingering in the air (see “Lucifer”) and immediately recharges into a fast paced beat with such ease and artistry. Songs move from the harmonious acoustic melodies present in “Full Circle” to the aggressiveness of “Miklo’s Song,” which builds up to a heavy punk/rock tone. Within these drastically different and continuously changing tones, OKT’s subtle and creative use of the saxophone (played by Roman Brambilia) and the conga drums (played by Randy Carmona) create an unconventionally congruous sound that ties the album together despite the significant differences in song rhythms and lyrical structure.
Better Late Than Never grounds OKT as an innovative and skilled musical force whose music transcends any rigid lines that divide genres and styles. The album is a creative fusion of various musical forms and impressive vocals. It highlights classic rock elements and newer Reggae patterns to showcase a progressive movement of good vibes, good people, and--most importantly--good music.
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