Few bands get it right from the get-go, but Dutch art rock band Oh Hazar ticks all the boxes on their debut EP Clair Obscur: they have the hooks, the words, the breaks and the ability to string it altogether to create something very special indeed. They play with light and darkness, making it personal or political and - as a whole - pretty intense. They shun the easy routes, sprinkling dissonants, feedback and unexpected rhythmic shifts in each track.
They name the art of the German expressionists as a major influence and it shows in their tendency to turn things upside down or twisting them in weird angles. The post-punk and industrial leanings of guitarist Stefan Kollee and drummer Imanishi Kleinmeulman give the emotions projected by lead singer Imke Loeffen an extra layer of urgency. F.N.A.S.P. is about Big tech offering freebies to anyone, but at a price: handing over your face, name, age, sex, and picture. Ivory takes a swipe at the privileged people at the top are holed up in their proverbial ivory tower and expect everyone - and more specifically women - to do their bidding. As a contrast the grief about loss is almost palpable in City Lines and in the EP's closing track The Best, a slow song telling a loved one that it is OK to let go.
Oh Hazar are a band who have found their own sound and they are not afraid to take a stand. That is pretty rare and it shows a lot of promise for their next move.
Oh Hazar:
Imke Loeffen: vocals, guitar
Stefan Kollee: guitar, vocals
Imanishi Kleinmeulman: drums
Judith Renkema: bass
Simon Akkermans: loops & synths
Clair Obscur is a self-released EP. Buy it from their website. Note: only the three singles - Ivory, F.N.A.S.P. and City Lines - are available as digital downloads. For the full EP, go for the deluxe box with a CD, a download code and a booklet with all the lyrics. The membership version of the box comes with additional perks.
Tracks:- City Lines
- Down
- F.N.A.S.P.
- Ivory
- Justice
- The Best
- 02/24 Kelderfest, Deventer
- 02/25 Podium Gigant, Apeldoorn
- 04/19 De Vorstin, Hilversum
- 05/10 Groene Engel, Oss (w/ Hiqpy)
- 05/23 Luxor Live, Arnhem (w/ Femme Fugazi)
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