Treading the same path as Sigur Ros, a smidgen of Royksopp, a bit of Zero 7 and for the most part Super Furry Animals Lite, ‘Omni’ is something of a glacial album. Both in the sense it might remind you of snow capped mountains, snowy plains and the Arctic Circle it also skates across the surface without really penetrating anything. ‘Y Ferch ar y Cel Yn Rio’ is a prime example with it’s wistful vocals and a sublime backdrop gentle harmonies it’s a beautiful piece of music as is most of the album but alas there’s not a lot to it. Much in the same way piano lounge music never really caught fire it’s because there is a time and a place for music like this.
It’s a similar vein throughout the album and could undoubtedly be any of the Super Furries previous efforts yet without the definition of Gruff’s vocals and the edgier electronic side Ciaran usually brings to proceedings. It’s a collection that meanders and sprawls with no obvious means to an end but there are some rather wonderful highlights. ‘Wa Da Da’ with it’s inverted ‘Eple’ rip off drips relaxation, ‘Roads’ at just 1.45 would be a perfect interlude in any DJ set to slow things down whilst the eerie plod of opener ’If I’m a self, you’re a sunt’ snakes and slithers like a theme for a Bond villain. ‘Bowl me Over’ sees an obvious nod towards the Super Furries with Beach Boys vocals, clinking piano and lovelorn sentiment, ideal if you want to unwind.
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It’s actually very good, whether it’s making me feel like the bad guy for wishing it ill feeling or whether this is the end effect after it’s worked its magic I don’t know. It’s hard to pin point and seems limited to sentimental montages or a soundtrack to reminisce. It wanders aimlessly at times, stuck between soundtrack and relaxing self indulgence which isn’t altogether a bad thing it just limits its scope for listening. If you enjoy getting the massage oils and incense out or live in an igloo it’s perfect
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