Because You Deserve It

Omni “Equestrian”

Omni is a contemporary band and “Equestrian” is a new song, but to my ears, it’s a dead ringer for the sort of playful, casually arty music you can find on Hyped to Death’s old Homework CD-R compilations of deeply obscure American DIY singles from the late 70s through the early 80s. If you’ve never heard these compilations, I recommended trying a few out. They make a strong case for the actual impact of English punk in America beyond the usual locales of New York City, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, and are full of great little songs that shouldn’t be essentially unknown. When I say this song reminds me of all that, it’s a compliment – it’s tapping into a very special energy and feeling that feels lost today, and I think it’s what Omni are aiming for as musicians. Part of it is in how they contrast rigidity in the rhythm with a bit of slack, so you get this tight herky-jerky structure but a loose, carefree vibe in the guitar and vocal. The lead guitar part is particularly alluring, and reminds me of the feeling of cruising around aimlessly in the suburbs at night.

Buy it from Bandcamp.