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Onalaska

To Sing For Nights (2002)
Dim Mak

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Scott
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on February 21st 2003

Onalaska is the perfect example of why you shouldn't bill bands as "ex/current members of blahblahblah," as is done in their bio. Members of this Northwestern supergroup include Brian Cook of Botch, Erin Tate and Corey Murchy [both from Kill Sadie and Minus The Bear], and Jake Snyder of Minus The Bear and Sharks Keep Moving. Now immediately I'm thinking this is some sort of crazy math-rock inspired hardcore powerhouse with a tinge of emo for good measure.

I was wrong, and how.

Onalaska is the brainchild of "Tornado" Tom Harpel, and you tend to get the feeling that pretty much anyone could be recruited into his backing band, regardless of what their musical past is. The reason being is, these 8 songs aren't anything like the bands mentioned prior. Instead, they are slow ballads about drinking, travelling, and women. Harpel's lyrics seem to go for a bit of a lover's lament style, and comes off a bit ironic at times. It's not perfect, but it fits the music well.

Speaking of the music - you'll find no Botch or Minus The Bear influences here. Each song coasts by with minimal instrumentational effort, until the crescendo of the last chorus [as evidenced in "Other Cities Women" and "El Raval"]. Other songs seem to be almost interludes, like "Entrada." It's comforting music, but the CD usually ends before you even realize it's past the first few songs.

If you're looking for a disc to help you unwind, I'd recommend this. Fans of the Weakerthans more laid back material would also appreciate this [or, for a more obscure reference, think Boxstep or Mojave 3]. And lastly, the band does deserve credit for posting the entire album in MP3 form on their webpage [you can download each song below].

MP3s
Blue Reno
Airports
Entrada
El Raval
Official Tickets
You Should Ride Horses
Other Cities Women
Sailors Friend

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Anonymous (February 25, 2003)

thanks for pointing the way to this band scott...never heard anything about them, and like the other guy, i enjoy them very much

FortyMinutesWest (February 25, 2003)

"Ugh. Its like something that would be cool if you were sitting around your friends garage, smoking a dubie. But listening to this in any other way is wretched. "

Agreed

sickboi (February 24, 2003)

Ugh. Its like something that would be cool if you were sitting around your friends garage, smoking a dubie. But listening to this in any other way is wretched. This score is for a nice fat hog's leg.

Anonymous (February 24, 2003)

John Stamos?

stamos (February 24, 2003)

I really like this band. They are a chill sound to draw or write to. I, too, enjoy his voice.

Stamos

Anonymous (February 24, 2003)

yes, he can sing. I actually like his voice a lot.

abileneINlove (February 23, 2003)

This stuff sounds good... but he can't sing at all. Not even a little bit.

I get it, I just think it could use a little more work.

maverick (February 22, 2003)

To the guy/girl below me:
Great, glad you dug them! Now just go see them live sometime and/or buy the album to support the band, and you'll be set.

-Scott

Anonymous (February 21, 2003)

I had never heard of Onalaska but thanks to those MP3s I've listened to their whole album and have found a new band to listen to

travis (February 21, 2003)

thanks for posting this review scott. Ive been looking for info about them for a week now. the album is very nice. Definitely nothing like they done before.