OSOG

If you had told me, after listening to the highly southern and spicy mix that is Cowboys from Ukuhelle, that OSOG were from Israel I might have asked you to repeat yourself – until you said the right answer. Not Mexico? The way they wove that Texicana sound was a dead native giveaway, or so I thought. Now how about this factoid – the members of OSOG used to play in a Pantera tribute band. Needless to say, these guys are all over the map and carry a lot of musicianship wherever they go for whatever project they’ve chosen. Following a few long nights jamming on acoustics, the band switched gears and embarked on an 11-month steady rehearsal routine until they had the arsenal of songs and finances to match. This was surged heavily by a fantastic showing of fan support in the form of what we would call a “Go Fun Me” account.

I was very impressed by this group’s website. It doesn’t necessarily speak for the music, but it definitely set me up for some quality expectations. The opening track “ Medicine” is stoic and chanted with country-fried intensity. I picture it as the so-long anthem of a gunman in the West taking his last stroll through town with a bullet wound.

I don’t think my ears can get back the vocal entry on “Blue.” Take it down a notch my friend. The song builds into a sweeping bar frolic and the growl finds a much better home in that context. “B.S.H.” rides like a jolly ole Johnny Cash number and then it’s over before you know it. However, it does return later in the album at a boot stomping tempo. The next track is a fun party song that borrows the refrain of “Wake Up Little Suzy” but puts a nice modern twist on it – “Wake Up in a Jacuzzi.” That’s funny and also a little alarming.

“Quixote” is beautifully done. Performed with stylistic excellence and perfect sound production from the string picks to the hi-hat stomps. It blurs the lines of “Hotel California” for just a second and then covers up with some authentic Mexicana magic.

“Please Don’t Leave Me” has a 60’s west coast feel as if the sound decided to travel a few miles up the Tijuana border. “Government is Organized Crime” hits the nail on the head. I’ve always had a special place for the active minds out there that know when something is corrupt. Hats off to you OSOG for being bold with your thoughts. The chorus is pronounced like a last rights with a chamber of drawling baritones that resonate even after the song is over. - theevenground.com

Tel Aviv roots rock band OSOG were amongst the many amazing music acts I encountered in 2015 while in Israel. Their enthusiastic, down-home feel could have emerged from anywhere in the States, the glowing music precedes them in much the same way we've seen from acts like Lumineers, Head and the Heart and Monsters of Rock. The band have a new album out shortly, the first single of which Who Who is spotlighted here today.

The collective will be touring internationally all Spring. Be sure to catch them if you can. (Our friends in Canada, take note, they are coming at you really soon!) The band just released a video for Who Who as well, a cinematic yet dysotopian look (the band dies) at what is otherwise the most-uplifting music. Nothing like art to make you take notice.. Highly recommended, an Artist To Watch! - Ryan Spaulding (Ryan's Smashing Life)

OSOG is an exotic music collective from Israel that formed in 2013 who is starting to make waves in the United States. OSOG has released two full studio albums and have performed hundreds of shows including several international festivals as well as touring Europe and Canada. Formed from punk rockers, metal-heads, jazz and classical musicians, OSOG’s music is a celebration of creativity and a love for music. Their song “Who Who” off their self-titled album is a fantastic showcase of OSOG’s musical abilities.

Starting off with only a moving bass line accompanied by snaps on the up-beat, “Who Who” captivating listeners right from the start. With the addition of vocals, the song takes off with an intriguing use of vocal layering creating a musical landscape unique to OSOG. Leading into the chorus, both the bass and the snapping fall off as and the vocals sing, “If you survive that blast. Now how do you,” signaling the entrance of the full band. Using a diverse cast of instruments, OSOG creates a beautiful arrangement in the chorus that provides a stark contrast from the more simplistic verse, making for an extremely engaging song.

OSOG is undoubtedly a one of a kind band that provides a unique music experience that merits recognition. Their song, “Who Who,” is a shimmering example of what OSOG has to bring to the table, great songwriting performed by great musicians. With mandolin, ukulele, bass, lap-steel, violin, percussion, vibraphone, and great vocal work, OSOG is a band that offers a full acoustic experience that is stellar recorded and live and will thrill fans of folk, Americana, acoustic and indie music.

OSOG’s self-titled album is their most mature work to date and has been released as a limited edition vinyl. OSOG will be flying traveling to Kansas City, where they will perform in the next Folk Alliance International Festival. The band will then be flying to North Carolina where they will record their third studio album. For more information, visit OSOG's website. - Indie Spoonful