Seapods put post-modern spin on classic rock 'n' roll

By JAKE STUIVER
Collegian Arts Writer

From the depths of the sea (yes, the same waters from whence Phish swam), comes a new specimen of musicalea oceanea -- the Ominous Seapods.

The first track on their self-released, live-recorded debut album Econobrain, however, is a phone message on the band's answering machine advising them to change their name to "the Omininous-Yet-Harmless Seapods." This serves to clarify that seapods are not at all ominous. These particular seapods, in fact, sound extremely friendly, clever and accessible.

Fans of the Phish/Blues Traveler/Dave Matthews vein of funk-blues-rock-ska-psychedelia will be delighted. In accordance with those other bands, the Albany-based Ominous Seapods have built a reputation for themselves exclusively through touring and word-of-mouth. Econobrain has already been through two pressings in lieu of a record label, and is just now becoming available nationwide.

The music on this album is very exciting. From the moment the second track (following the introductory phone message) begins, the listener is quickly whisked away into the world of Seapodic psychedelia. As much as the style falls in with the aforementioned bands of the same genre, as well as the Samples and God Street Wine (both of whom the Seapods have toured with), there is definitely evidence of innovation here and many unique qualities.

For one thing, the lead singer, Max Verna, sounds far too much like David Byrne for this band to be categorized as any form of traditional rock. He even uses similar vocal gimmicks, such as deliberate, unexpected but appropriate voice-breaks during some songs. This results in a strange and interesting addition of a very post-modern sound to and otherwise classical form of rock 'n' roll.

The Seapods have outstanding methods of shocking their audience and grabbing its attention just when it is beginning to slumber off into the psychedelia. In "Millworker's Lament," drummer Ted Marotta masterfully shifts the beat from a soft backbeat to a sudden hard groove, accompanied by Verna shouting "Wake up! You're dreaming," at the crowd.

Lyrically, the Seapods are bizarre but inspiring. Most tunes are pleasant, optimistic odes to happiness in simplicity, with titles like "Everyday Nice Day" and "Anything is Possible." Weird topics can be found in songs like "Old GP," about the band's cat, and "Hey Donnie Osmond (Why Do You Walk That Way)."

There are many elements of the Ominous Seapods that make them both wonderful and unique, but the bottom line is, they are danceable, talented, creative, and, most of all, fun.

Though it is clear that Econobrain is an immature effort, it is nonetheless hard evidence of a band with lots of promise. So do not think that since you found Phish, there is no need to keep on swimming. Sometimes the tastiest morsels are found on the ocean floor.

Editor's Note: The Ominous Seapods will perform tonight at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave.