Oda (1971)

"Strong local hardrock in the stripped down, riff-happy, non-bombastic style, comparable to the Estes Bros and Glory on Rockadelic. Guitar playing from Randy O is killer throughout, lyrical and fluent yet hard and no-nonsense. Randy also plays the organ in an unusual combination, while his brother Kevin plays drums. Art Pantoja's vocals are OK in the non-operatic style common to these bands (though clearly not as good as on Dryewater and Top Drawer), and all over I have to rate this one of the better within the style. The CD bonus tracks show an impressive versatility with more melodic moves, as well as a very good take on Butterfield's "Mind to Give Up Living". Randy Oda later had a taste of mainstream success as member of Tom Fogerty's band Ruby in the late 1970s, then reformed Oda for a 1984 LP."

"This is above average 70s hard rock, with good guitar leads and memorable riffing. The vocals are uninteresting, though, and there’s not much variety or originality here. A few pleasant exceptions: the surprising funk/horn interlude on “Cheated,” and the poppy melody and hot guitar solo on “Give It Up”. The best songs are in the middle of the album, so give it a chance if the first couple of songs underwhelm you. The CD adds four bonus tracks that span more styles than the original album."
(via Acid Archives) (BUY IT, FATHEAD!)

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