Oblivion

Oblivion was formed when all three boys started noise polluting in a smoke-filled basement late 2005. With common influences like Tool, Alice in Chains, Nirvana and some local bands, and the three boys quickly found a great musical chemistry that shines through in their songs. After playing a few years of local all ages shows, the boys (yes, boys) took to the local vibrant (yet slippery and wishy washy) music scene of Minneapolis where they started playing with bands twice their age, but not twice their talent. On the verge of recording a full length album, Oblivion is rising quickly and gaining respect from their peers. With a powerhouse rhythm section comprised of drummer Jason Rotnem, who has been likened to Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, The Vandals), not quite Danny Carey (Tool), Dave Grohl (Nirvana), Keith Moon (The Who), and even the great John Bonham. While bassist Taylor Froehlich, whose intelligent use of an array of effects allow the two to create a wall of sound that carries the band's grooves. Fronting the group is the singer and guitar player Mike Baillie. The band's sound can be thick and harsh, like good punk music, then turn to thin, frail and delicate pop music in the same song. Taylor's soft melodic voice will trade blows with Mike's throaty and powerful yell during the song that is so emotional and intelligent but primal all at the same time. Baillie's songwriting comes off almost as bipolar with quiet brooding verses and loud, brash choruses, complete with thought provoking, at times stream of conscious, lyrics. Then usually a bridge, or a guitar solo, or even a jazz influenced guitar "anti-solo" (noise solo) in the song to mix it up. But that adds to their ears for melody, as the three of them are all pop princesses at heart. Their music is dripping with hooks, right down to the hi-hat beat, and very much radio friendly. Oblivion sets themselves apart from other bands because they don't take themselves too seriously. They take their music seriously and passionately, but not themselves. Oblivion has shared the stage with so many bands that try too hard to be serious and rock hard and have the machismo meter flying off the charts, but end up looking ridiculous. Then Oblivion comes along and rocks so much harder than these older, "serious" bands that just don't get it. Oblivion also has a high level of professionalism and intelligence that is veiled by their punk roots and which is not normally seen in a band with three 19 year old kids. Here is just another starving rock band that has the drive and the talent to accomplish something positive and give the terminally-ill music industry a swift kick in the pants.