Here are three phrases from Om’s Wikipedia page which give you a bit of an idea of who they are, and give me a creative way to disguise lazy writing: “similar in structure to Tibetan and Byzantine chant”, “Live at Jerusalem” and “natural vibration of the universe”. Unsurprisingly, also listed on the page is “stoner rock”.
Om, consisting of bassist/vocalist Al Cisneros, drummer Emil Amos and complemented by multi-instrumentalist tambourine man Robert A.A. Lowe, opened with the haunting chant from Sinai off the critically-adored new album Advaitic Songs. Patiently waiting for the sampled chant to conclude, Cisneros’ bass finally purrs through the Hi-Fi soundsystem, beginning a dream-like 75-minute performance.
Shadowing Sinai was Meditation Is The Practice Of Death from 2009’s God Is Good. Following this, however, were some awkward tech issues. While it’s normally trivial to comment on such matters, between Om’s religious iconography, droney vocals, entrancing atmosphere and the second-hand weed inhalation, an Om performance feels like meditation – one that was frustratingly interrupted from all the faffing about after several songs.
While Amos’ cymbal-centric drum kit was played with perfection during Gethsemane, and Lowe danced as if overdozing on googs throughout the whole set, by far the highlight of the night was State Of No Return. Not only did each member shine in their own moment – Amos’ incredible drum rolls, Cisneros’ melodic riff and Lowe’s wild synth – but during the breakdown, there was that awesome sight of a metal crowd headbanging together as one. Buddhist monks spend much of their lives humming ‘om’ to become one with everything. Should’ve just come to The Hi-Fi.
BY NICK TARAS
LOVED: The busker outside who sets up a telescope pointed at Saturn. So much better than someone hitting plastic bowls.
HATED: When I tried to google this band and nek minnit became Buddhist.
DRANK: Nothing, I drove that night because I had Rosie’s Mexican-themed party afterwards. It was great fun and we danced and we danced and we danced. Highlight of the night was my friend Tom getting rum poured on him for no reason. Lowlight was the house music! LOVED: Tom’s face after he got drenched! So much fun Dad, you should’ve been there. HATED: Not many chairs to sit on. DRANK: Mate ask anyone who saw me dancing during the Gold Coast Suns’ theme song. Gee whiz I love a beer!
