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Osker

Treatment 5
2000
Epitaph

Osker - Treatment 5 (Cover Artwork)


Review by: Huey
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Epitaph Records (Logo)

Published on November 24th 2001

Sure, albums with content filled with teenage suffering come and go, but every once in a while, an album is released that sums up the teen years so perfectly, with lyrics filled with angst, betrayal, and loss. Osker's first release, Treatment 5 is one of those special albums.

So the story begins. Devon Williams, the lead singer & lone guitarist of Osker is hanging out with a friend who has connections with Epitaph. Devon makes demo. Devon gives friend the demo. Friend tells Epitaph about Demo. Epitaph shits their pants. Osker is signed.

Devon collaborates with friend Dave Benitez (bass) and work on Treatment 5 begins. I can't recall who did the drumming on this album, due to the fact that Osker has had at least three different drummers during it's young existance. After a few runs on the Punk O Rama series, Treatment 5 is released in early 2000.

From the opening chords to I Cannot to the end of Radio, Treatment 5 flows so amazingly well. Don't be fooled by the foolish song titles, such as Shitface, Fuck Me, Asshole, etc. Each song has one moment that makes it worth listening to. The lyrics are so angry, yet so poiniant and right on at the same time.

Do not write off Osker as "just another skate punk band," because that is not the case. Devon's voice is unique and much different than anything out there today. It's unique, but it works so well with the music, and adds another element to the album itself. As for the instrumental work, it's pretty damn good. Good riffs, good lines, good drumming.

Some of the tracks that stand out are 13, Someday, Lucky, Radio, and a lot more. It's not really one song or two that makes the cd so great. Like I said, it's how the album flows, and comes together, greatly. Who do I recommend Treatment 5 to? Any young punk having a hard time getting through high school. Anyone who can be open to something different, and is just looking for a good listen. Treatment 5 is for you.

Aside from the music, Osker also likes to have their voice known through their website. Every few days, they post a new rant, may it be on music, or just random current events. They take this element into their live show too, and are often booed off the stage for, "Being too mean." Shit, Osker may just be one of the most openminded, but plain confusing bands there is today.

Osker will continue to grow and mature, as evident on their 2001 release, Idle Will Kill. I recommend Idle Will Kill for your collection too, as it is a completely different spin on things. If you want the roots, go for Treatment 5. It's a 10, and will be playing in my stereo for years to come. Epitaph has a winner on their hands again. Enjoy.





People who liked this also liked:
Descendents - Milo Goes To CollegeOsker - Idle Will KillThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!NOFX - The DeclineOperation Ivy - Operation IvyThe Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldRise Against - The Sufferer & the WitnessGreen Day - InsomniacKid Dynamite - Kid DynamiteThe Clash - London Calling



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    Posted by dlangl4 on 2007-08-22 01:19:26
    My Score:

    On Musicmatch Jukebox, I labeled this CD's genre as "Ideal Punk." It's that good. One of the best punk cds ever, in my opinion.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 3:31 PM (EDT)

    This is really good PUNK

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 3:30 PM (EDT)

    Osker is one of the best punk bands ever

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 4:16 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Great fucking album. I agree that Devon is an asshole and a brat but that's one of the things that makes this band so great. He can piss off just about anyone. I love that. Aside from that, the music is just amazing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 7:41 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    when you're pissed listen to this, angry music and very punk

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 5, 2002 at 4:39 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I love this album and all the rest of Oskers material. I like bands like Alkaline and Get Up Kids etc. But they are all 25 26 yrs old or atleast around there. So I cant really realte to them, but with osker any lost teen can.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 11:58 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    osker kicks ass. RIP

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 15, 2001 at 6:17 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    best song on here is 13. (the song, not track 13)

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 2:13 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Devon doesn't soundd that much like Jeff...

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 8:41 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    The music on this album is surprisingly not that bad, however the singer Devon is a real asshole. That's why I would never support this band.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 8:02 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I'd rather lick my own asshole than listen to these fucks

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 1:20 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    myboxersarepunkerthanu, I feel the same way. What's there to be so fucking angry about? By the way, Lucky's the best song on here-no contest, in my mind.

    -Sr. Potpourri

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 11:43 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    I knew he sounded like someone! thanks for mentioning that dude. Fifteen is a great punk band. Osker isn't bad, but what i've heard from this album is kinda lame.- fathead

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 1:49 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Devon has an original voice? Guess you never heard Jeff Ott from Fifteen before. This band sucks. The only reason they get any recognition is because the band talks shit about good bands and because their singer doesn't have pubic hair yet and was able to get onto Epitaph (it's good to have friends in high places).

    Posted by punky on 2001-12-11 21:01:27
    My Score:

    Everytime I'm down or angry this CD always brings out the best in me.Filled with honest rage, and great music.
    One of the best albums I own...

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 8:23 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I have to admit, this one kind of sucked. There were a few songs that were really really good. But out of 19 songs or whatever, doesn't quite add up. It all sounds the same basicly. They tried to be too much on this album. Nothing like their new one.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 8:05 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    wow, i'm glad sxe nick knows what i will and will not like...i haven;t heard this, but since sxe nick seems to know what my taste in music is like, i think i'll listen to him

    thanks sxe nick....by the way, you should drink and smoke, you will like it...

    Jimi

    Posted by sXe_nick on 2001-12-11 14:56:19
    My Score:

    this cd is really bad, it might have 2 good songs on it. That is max. Dont buy this cd, you will not like it. BORING!!!

    Posted by Huey on 2001-12-11 14:35:07
    My Score:

    Yes you are, cheerleader

    Posted by myboxersarepunkerthanu on 2001-12-11 13:09:20
    My Score:

    am i the only teenager whose life isn't filled with angst and hate??