OSI – Free Review


Website: OSI

The Inside Pulse:
Funny how one-offs can sometimes grow to take on a life of their own. Free is the second project of Jim Matheos of Fates Warning fame and Chroma Key/former Dream Theater keysman Kevin Moore, injecting a prog rock aesthetic into a more abstract and personal type of songwriting. Rich, ornate electronic sounds decorate distinct hard rock grooves and Moore’s range-limited vocals.

Right from the opening track, “Sure You Will,” OSI defines itself and maintains its identity throughout the disc. Even with a revolving door of collaborators and its status as a side-project, there’s a dedication to making a name for OSI on its own.

Positives: Different from the first album, Free uses more conventional song structures, giving it a heavy dose of replayability. The rhythms, provided again by Mike Portnoy, are still as complex as its predecessor. But songs like “All Gone Now” and “Sure You Will” are focused without sacrificing talent, and low-key instrumentals such as “Bigger Wave” make for a nice recovery period between intense emotional twists.

Negatives: The latter half of the album becomes spotty and starts to drag with an excess of moody atmosphere and drawn-out tempos. The result is that Free goes out with a whimper instead of a bang. While it may be deeply appreciated by poets and artists for its unique sounds, it just gets tedious on casual listen.

Cross-breed: The Cure’s Disintegration tossed with the conciseness and crunch of Sound of White Noise-era Anthrax.

Reason To Buy: Those who like experimental, complex rock need to check out OSI. It may go half and half for metalheads and electrohounds, but it’s worth a purchase if one wants to expand their horizons.