oblio - slick

Oblio

Slick
self-released; 2013

3.3 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Oblio is a one-man band hailing from Boulder, Colorado. His name is Zeke Bogusky and he recently released a very short four-song EP entitled Slick. The music here is electronic instrumental and lasts a total of five minutes and 14 seconds. As you may have guessed these songs aren't particularly substantial but rather indicative of what Bogusky may be able to make as his talents mature and he broadens his palette. The songs feel like you just ate a meal but are still hungry so you decide to go eat a steak. They just don’t provide enough meat for you to sink your teeth into and they are over before they begin. The songs float and don’t particularly pull you in any emotional direction. Instead they are light pieces of sounds that are neither offensive nor demanding. In fact you could even call these playful pieces fun at times.

The first song on Slick is called “Million.” It is a little whim of a song that contains whirling synths that cross over and collide with each other. It sounds good and promising but it just never goes anywhere worthwhile or takes off like it could. The second song on the EP entitled “Begane” is inflicted with the same issues. I do have to say that for its 56 seconds he hits the right notes and has an addictive melody that ends abruptly. “Ba2” doesn't even tempt you that it is going to form in something else besides the simple melodies he is playing on piano. The song has warm tones that are played on an electric piano. The EP closes with “Grey” which was the best track on the album. The melody sounds distant as a subtle, soft drumbeat carries the song.

Oblio has made four songs that show promise and solid ideas. He has a long way to go with his musical career and the seeds he has planted on this unsubstantial EP may one day blossom into intricate pieces of art if he sticks with it and develops his skills. 

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