For the world, 2017 was a pretty shit
year. But for music in CT, 2017 has brought a heap of amazing releases from
extremely talented acts, and among the top of that stack is Nocturnal Omissions by Videodome. They’ve
put together a record of hectic sound and heavy emotion, a combination that is
insanely addictive.
Though comprised of former
members of Heavy Breath and Warm, Videodome wields a sound that is entirely
their own. Grit is a mainstay across the EP’s five tracks: “Don’t Get Stoned in
Glass Houses” rips open with fuzzbomb syncopation, while the overdriven bass
and guitars in the title track carry heavy riffs like burdens. The drums thump
like a frantic heart throughout, each beat pounding with adrenaline. The vocals
waver between beauty and brutality, raging against the belligerent backdrop of
instrumentation with anxious yelps and crushing honesty.
Videodome’s compositions are just
as emotive and evocative as their performances: “Pleather Daddy” saunters like
a serial killer stalking a victim home, while the outro to “Nocturnal
Omissions” glides on dolorously sweet singing and a wandering bassline. The
vocals steer the emotion of the tunes, dragging “Don’t Get Stoned in Glass
Houses” from indifference into a violent exclamation of “Fuck a beautiful
sunrise, I hope we never sleep.” The lyrics ooze a strange and sexual fury;
every line is fraught with simultaneous desire, regret, apathy—all limned with
a vicious feedback loop of anger, rolling from lyrics into vocals and back,
again and again.
There’s so much to hear in this
record, to feel, that each listen is near overwhelming for the senses. But as
visceral as the experience is, so is it intellectual. Not a single part is repeated once too
long—every lyric, riff, and wordless vocal outburst brandishes its intensity and
impact without exaggeration. Nocturnal
Omissions is distilled and ferocious lust, but presented with a precision
and grace that is largely unmatched by other acts.
Whether you’re looking for
snarling noise, delicate sadness, or outright wrath, Nocturnal Omissions truly delivers. I want to learn to play these
riffs myself so I can take them with me, so effusive is the energy that they
exude. Videodome’s cocktail of crushing sound and oscillating intensity is
something as-of-yet unequaled in CT’s scene; if their future means honing that
into an even deadlier weapon, then you had best believe my eyes and ears will
be on them, and I bet yours will be too.
My Top Track: “Wet with Regret”
You can find more from Videodome,
including upcoming live shows and news, on Facebook. Then grab your own copy of
Nocturnal Omissions at their Bandcamp page.
