He Simply Does Not Miss
In August this year, preeminent latter day indie artist Oso Oso released their first new LP since 2022’s critically lauded sore thumb featuring “computer exploder” and “pensacola” among many other solid tracks.
With 2024’s peculiarly titled life till bones, Long Beach, NY native Jade Lilitri blends his specific indie guitar band style with at times energetic, at times melancholy and even somber tones and storytelling, an echo of so much of his previous four albums and numerous singles and EPs.
life till bones leads with the short and not-so-sweet “many ways” eliciting darker themes explored further in the album, but in much more bouncy and hook-ridden songs like “stoke” and “dog without its bark” which exemplify Oso Oso’s ability to reconcile the inherent complexities and dualities of experiencing life and music.
“dog without its bark” is a particular standout on this album, while single “that’s what time does” similarly brings the pop-like hooks in spades. But the lead track “many ways” is still complemented by a song like “seesaw” a pillow track sitting at the end of the run of the most pop-sensible songs mid-album. Stripped back acoustic and piano are the lone support to Lilitri’s serenade.
Personally, upon first listening, track-for-track life till bones may not stand quite with sore thumb or the earlier the yunahon mixtape, but make no mistake that this album appears as personal a combination of songs that Lilitri has written, exploring deeper and darker places, with still all the quality and variety as to be expected of one of today’s best independent artists.
The album is a clear tribute, a surrender to life and fate. Few artists ever, and particularly lately, have been able to consistently put out quality albums maintaining their personal sound and style and still grow healthily as expected of any great artist. Oso Oso has continue to prove this ability with life till bones. Somehow, he just does not miss.
You can stream on Spotify with the link below or with any streaming service now.