1.O.M - Mosaic EP

1.O.M

Mosaic EP
​self-released; 2020

3.8 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Last year 1.O.M. released Pilot which we reviewed here at Divide & Conquer. Since that release he has been fast at work and just released Mosaic. This release as he explains, “draws from a more diverse set of influences, such as hip hop, psychedelic and swing.” The guitar work is the main focus but is approached differently from song to song.

“Ignition” is the first song and has an indie rock type vibe not too far from bands like The Killers and Phoenix. There is a funk as well as different sections. I was reminded of Daft Punk. The song felt like an amalgamation of different styles that gained some popularity over the last fifteen years or so.

“Satin” felt like a highlight. This seems to be where he takes a little dive into hip-hop and R&B. That being said the lead guitar is king. He plays into some unique melodies which sound off-kilter in a good way. The end was great which feels a little haunting.

He sounds more like a full band on “Hazel.” It felt like a mix of technical guitar guys like Joe Satriani and Radiohead. I liked the balance. The guitar is really the focal point but there are a nice array of builds and peaks in the song.

We get some reggae vibes on “Airhead” but also a song that just felt like it would put you in a good mood. This is another example of a song where the guitar is the instrument that creates the prominent melodies. There is also some well placed piano. The song is constantly moving and won't leave you bored. That’s for sure.

I definitely would not have guessed that I would be greeted with a warm acoustic guitar and a more reflective song but that’s was what I was treated to on “Temporary.” It was a welcome deviation. The closing track “Mosaic” feels like his bread and butter style where the song has energy and is primarily rock based.

​One of this artist’s goals was to improve and evolve and this EP certainly displayed that. This was an enjoyable release and I hope he continues to move forward.

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