Oso Oso: Life Till Bones [Album Review]

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Oso Oso
Life Till Bones
Yunahon Entertainment LLC [2024]

Album Overview: Oso Oso, the project of Jade Lilitri, emerged from Long Island’s indie scene, blending emo and pop-punk elements. Over the years, Lilitri has crafted a distinct voice within the genre, marked by introspective lyrics and a knack for memorable hooks that have locked into his own style of emo and power pop. The band’s previous work has often explored themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, gaining a dedicated following and Headphone Approved labels here for albums Basking in the Glow (2019) and Sore Thumb (2022). Life Till Bones presents a concise and focused collection of songs that navigate the complex emotions tied to love and mortality. While the album doesn’t radically shift from the band’s established sound, it tightens the execution, delivering a punchy, streamlined record that maintains emotional depth without excess. The album feels like a natural continuation of Oso Oso’s path, with a renewed emphasis on clarity and directness.

Musical Style: This album continues the band’s signature mix of emo and indie rock, but with a more refined and efficient approach. The production is clean and crisp, emphasizing immediate impact over elaborate heartfelt arrangements. The record leans into catchy melodies and tight rhythms, with subtle nods to pop and alternative influences.

Evolution of Sound: While Life Till Bones stays true to the core elements of Oso Oso’s sound, it shows an evolution in its approach to songwriting. The album strips away unnecessary layers, focusing on more concise structures and sharper hooks. The music hints at broader influences while maintaining the band’s characteristic emotional intensity, representing a matured and more introspective direction.

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Strokes, and Young Guv may find a connection with Oso Oso’s latest work. The album’s blend of emo and indie rock, with its polished yet impactful delivery, aligns with these artists’ approaches to balancing heartfelt lyrics with accessible, catchy music.

Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks include “All Of My Love” which offers a big guitar driven pop song that will easily get stuck in your head. The fantastic acoustic “Seesaw,” which serves as an emotional anchor for the album, and “Application,” which brings a lively, upbeat energy reminiscent of early 2000s indie rock. “Other People’s Stories” closes the album with a reflective tone, encapsulating the themes explored throughout the record.

Lyrical Strength: Lilitri’s lyrics on Life Till Bones are marked by their directness and emotional clarity. The album’s writing focuses on personal experiences of love and loss, avoiding grand narratives in favor of simple, resonant statements. The straightforward language and unembellished delivery give the lyrics a powerful, relatable quality that enhances the album’s overall impact.

OSO OSO REVIEW HISTORY
Sore Thumb (2022) / Basking In The Glow (2019)

OSO OSO LINKS
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp

Thomas Wilde
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