Band: Odds
Album: Crash The Time Machine
Release Date: August 4, 2023
Genre: Rock
Vancouver, BC-based rock band Odds have released their long-awaited seventh studio album, Crash The Time Machine.
Founded in 1987 with their first album released in 1991 the group has spanned over 30 years of not only music but culture. The group also made the soundtrack for the cult classic sketch series Kids In The Hall as well as Brent Butt’s Corner Gas series.
The group’s seventh album, Crash The Time Machine has been described as “a vibrant painting of struggle and the community that both feeds it and transcends it. The band goes in new and exciting musical directions while retaining the dark ironic signature that has held fans captive for decades.”
After laying down most of the basic tracks, the band enlisted co-producer Steven Page in Syracuse, New York to help them sort it out. A good friend of the band since early 1990s, Page and Northey have remained frequent musical collaborators; Craig is a member of the Steven Page Trio, while Steven is no stranger to sitting in with the Odds and employing them in his recordings.
“We decided it would be great to bring in somebody who understands what we might be going for. Steven was a true collaborator; he’d hear mixes or ideas or lyrics along the way and when he had something to say, he spoke up. He also became part of the vocal blend as we shaped the record, remotely from our homes, as we all added what I call the ‘icing’ and fixed anything we couldn’t live with.”
The album opens with the title track and previous single, “Crashing the Time Machine” which is a poignant and thought-provoking rock song that delves into complex themes of memory, societal progress, and the struggle for freedom. Throughout the song, the use of symbolism, such as “horses ride into gunfire” and “river with veins of mercury,” adds depth and layers of meaning. The impactful line, “smash this scene, crash the time machine,” serves as both a call to action and an impassioned plea for transformation. The powerful lyrics, combined with the fitting rock arrangement, create a lasting and impactful musical gem.
“Walk Among The Stars” is another previous single, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a soul-stirring rock song that beautifully captures the human experience and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead with poetic lyrics and a melodic musical arrangement. The repeated chorus, “Walk among the stars, we salute you, it’s an endless future,” serves as an uplifting and empowering mantra, encouraging listeners to seize their potential and venture into uncharted territories.
Overall, Crashing The Time Machine is a remarkable album that skillfully blends the introspective force of rock with ethereal soundscapes, taking listeners on a captivating and imaginative journey. With its thought-provoking lyrics, this album has the potential to resonate with a broad range of music lovers and leave a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.