OFF COURSE

Published: Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 4:01 am

Osees, the prolific garage-psych outfit led by John Dwyer, has released its latest album, "Off Course," marking a significant shift in their sound. Known for their relentless output and frequent sonic reinventions, Osees have previously explored prog-metal, hardcore, and synth-punk territories, often characterized by a confrontational and aggressive approach. While their album artwork has consistently been striking, the cover of "Off Course" with its demonic imagery, is described as a misdirection from the music within.

Contrary to their recent aesthetic transformations, "Off Course" embraces a more fluid and improvisational style, reminiscent of earlier works like "A Weird Exits" and "Orc." Dwyer himself noted in the album's liner notes that the band "jammed and jammed and jammed," highlighting a spontaneous creative process. While Dwyer remains the central figure, the album's foundation is built upon the contributions of bassist Tim Hellman and drummers Dan Rincon and Paul Quattrone, whose rhythmic interplay provides a strong backbone for Dwyer's explorations.

The album often feels as though it is being created in real-time, offering a captivating listening experience where the listener can feel the band's hypnotic momentum. The lengthy title track, "Off Course," begins with a doom-psych feel akin to Pink Floyd's "Astronomy Domine" but evolves into an unexpected melodic passage that evokes the cheerful sound of Supergrass's "Alright." In other tracks, such as "Hecate's Reflection Is a Trick," Dwyer becomes deeply immersed in the groove, his vocals transforming into a percussive element.

While the album's two opening tracks comprise over half of its total duration, there's a desire for more exploration of shorter, more focused pieces like "Syringe." This track attempts to blend the motorik rhythms of Can with the band's more experimental side but is noted for its premature disintegration. Despite any perceived shortcomings, "Off Course" successfully reintroduces a sense of playfulness that had been overshadowed by the more aggressive nature of Osees' recent records.

BNN's Perspective:
"Off Course" represents a welcome return to form for Osees, demonstrating that even a band known for its relentless evolution can benefit from revisiting its roots. The album's embrace of improvisation and a more fluid, groove-oriented sound allows for a more engaging and less overtly confrontational listening experience. While some tracks might benefit from further development, the overall sense of spontaneity and playfulness makes "Off Course" a compelling addition to the band's discography.

Tags: Osees, John Dwyer, Off Course, garage-psych, improvisational, prog-metal, hardcore, synth-punk, doom-psych, motorik, Tim Hellman, Dan Rincon, Paul Quattrone

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