Mando Diao "Ode to Ochrasy" (Mute)
By Ryan Harig
Friday. Apr 06, 11:52 AM
Interesting enough, but lacking that little bit that sets it apart from the rest.

Listening to Ode to Ochrasy, I want to say that I really really like what I am hearing, but for some reason I get caught up on one nagging thought: I feel like I have heard most of it before… on The Strokes’ debut or Thunderbirds Are Now!’s Make History. Not that there aren't enough cool moments here to make for an enjoyable listen: it’s just that, sadly, when one band makes something great, the idea cannot be rehashed unless it possesses the original’s flare.

The first three songs really don’t make me want to listen all that much more, to be quite blunt. They are just a big conglomeration of pop rock with a few sparingly decent moments. Then comes “The Wildfire (if it Was True),” an excellent song, and I am lost in it for the whole thing. I rethink the first three tracks, pondering if I will find something that I like if I try again. The accompaniment sound good, the group sounds tight, but eventually I realize that it just doesn’t have real replayability due to its lack of originality.

In all fairness to Mando Diao, they have energy, a great set of vocals, and charging guitars: more than enough to give many people an inkling to check them out. I would even go as far as saying you shouldn’t take my word for it, because you and your loved one may quite like more of the jingle jangle happy feel this kind of album offers. I think I am just a man caught on other things at this moment. If you want happy – and if you want some of the same with a cute smile – then Ode to Ochrasy is for you.
www.mando-diao.com
www.mute.com

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Ryan Harig

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