For fear of my life, I'm going to keep this straightforward- Omnigone, the powerhouse ska-punk outfit from East Bay, has stormed back onto the scene with their latest single "Quicksand" from the forthcoming album, 'Feral,' due to hit shelves on July 26 via Bad Time Records. With their roots firmly planted in the legendary soil of ska-punk greats like Operation Ivy and The Suicide Machines, Omnigone has not only embraced their heritage but pushed the boundaries into heavier, more hardcore territories.
This time around, Omnigone has solidified their lineup, adding heavy hitters Brent Friedman on drums, Russ "Ike" Wood and Nick Tournie on guitars, turning the band into a formidable force in the ska-punk landscape. Recorded with Jack Shirley, a name synonymous with acts like Joyce Manor and Deafheaven, 'Feral' promises a gritty, raw energy that is palpable from the first riff of "Quicksand."
"Quicksand" itself is a visceral portrayal of the despair and hopelessness of war, as expressed through Adam Davis’s piercing lyrics. The track serves as a metaphor for the futility of nationalism and the somber realities of trench warfare. It’s a song that doesn’t just aim to entertain but to provoke thought, draped in the raucous, unapologetic energy that Omnigone fans have come to expect.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jake Schnider and featuring additional video processing by Quentel the Cryptid, captures the intense, almost claustrophobic nature of being caught in a battle you can neither escape nor win. It's a powerful visual that complements the song’s heavy themes and Omnigone’s explosive performance.
As Bad Time Records notes, Omnigone may have once stood in the shadow of Link 80, but with 'Feral,' they are stepping out as torchbearers of their own destiny, crafting what promises to be one of the most compelling records in the ska-core saga. It sounds like, with 'Feral,' Omnigone is goign to be making a statement that they aren't a band that’s content to ride the waves of past successes or nostalgia. Instead, they are charting a course into unexplored territories, blending ska with hardcore punk elements to create something truly unique and contemporary. We shall see...
In the meantime, check out the video for "Quicksand" and pre-order the album here.