Lunch of Champions

The Octopus Project’s “Hello, Avalanche”

Before I really get started on this review, let me just say that some people will probably hate this album. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Some will think it’s too loud, some will think it’s not loud enough. Some will think that the electronic background breaks apart the traditional “rock-band” aural dynamic, some will think that it’s too much rock to be techno and that’s just not good enough. I’m sure the lack of lyrics will turn more than a few ears away. In fact, I defy anyone to categorize this band or this album.

But, you know what? If you’re open to it, that’s not a bad thing.

To those of us from the NES generation, Hello, Avalanche could be called the best video game music ever, sprites not included. It expresses mood without having to say a word. The melodies are often simplified to basic midi standards, but they layer in great drum licks, distorted gutiar and bass lines, electric piano, and even a theramin here and there. It’s the kind of music that can get stuck inside your head like so much peanut butter. And it’s definitely danceable.

The one question is, can a band as fanciful as this thrive in the modern American music industry? Only time will tell. I sincerely hope that there are enough open listeners who can appreciate that a band without pretentious lyrics, or almost any lyrics at all for that matter, can weave beautiful poetry.