Album Review: Otenki - Kinetic

With an impressive back-catalogue and a solid stint of touring already under their belt, it seems as though the Texas based sextet, Otenki, have got their formula just right. With the absence of a major release in the last couple of years, the band return with the enlisted help of acclaimed producer, James Paul Wisner (Paramore, UnderØath, Dashboard Confessional), with their new EP ‘Kinetic’.

The EP emphatically opens with the title track ‘Kinetic’. Thanks to the modest pop-punk revival occurring in the US, the song is able to utilise every component in the genre to bring the EP to life right from the beginning. The song is heavy yet unabrasive, and even incorporates a synth “solo” in the break, which was relatively unexpected!

Free Otenki Song

A free song from Otenki, 'Kinetic' is being given away for free in exchange for a tweet here.

New Otenki Single

Otenki's new single, 'Ghosts' can be heard here or below.

New Otenki EP and Single

Otenki will release their new EP, 'Kinetic' on May 3rd with a single, 'Ghosts' set to be released on February 7th.

Both the EP and single were produced by James Paul Wisner (Paramore, underOATH, Dashboard Confessional)

Album Review: Otenki - Making Sense of Static EP

Otenki have a very impressive CV, with past appearances on the Warped Tour and Taste of Chaos Tour and with this new EP, 'Making Sense of Static' being produced by Paul Leavitt, who in the past has worked with All Time Low, The Bled and Circa Survive. Texas' Otenki have the ingredients to be big. However at the end of the day, its all about the music.

From the start, the band show there fast paced, upbeat pop-rock sound with 'The Tie That Binds'. A tight-knit performance with a good blend of vocal harmonies, with lead vocals from German Hernandez being a highlight of the track.

Elsewhere 'Empty Words' and 'Friends Come First' leans towards more the bands rock side but the band keep there accessible vocals. With the latter being filled with adrenaline and a classic rock-like guitar solo thrown in for good measure.

Whereas 'Making Sense of Static' keeps up the momentum with a fun number, that sways at a nice pace and adds a bit of edge to the bands mainly light sound. Closing track 'The Impossible' rounds off the EP well, that keeps up the high standard performance; with a favourable chorus melody.

Otenki might not be for everyones taste and they might not sound different from a lot of bands out there. However they do have strong songs, that can enable them to go far. Add to this impressive musicianship and anything is possible for them.

3.5/5

'Making Sense of Static EP' by Otenki is available now.

Find Otenki on the following:
Myspace
Purevolume
Twitter

Sean Reid