Omni are a three-piece in every sense of the word. The Atlanta trident all play a key role in their complex frameworks that result in beautifully crafted pop songs. Former-Deerhunter guitarist Frankie Broyles and drummer Billy Mitchell duel for superiority throughout, with singer Philip Frobos projecting a calm persona at the front of the stage, with his basslines even staking a melodical authority in certain songs. This results in a spectacular live show which Friday’s Green Door Store audience were captivated by throughout the short 40-minute set.

Due to some technical issues from the first support band and an early curfew, Omni had to rush through their set of complex post-punk. Luckily for the Atlanta natives, their LP Deluxe is only 30 minutes in length, giving them more than enough time to display each of the blissful freak-outs, abnormal rhythmic orienteering and interwoven threads featured on the debut record. All three members play a key role in each composition and this is more than evident in a live setting, with each subtle nuance mapped out to create a seamless display of musicianship. Omni give off the impression that every intricate drum fill and each catchy single-string twang to every arpeggiated strum and bass loop have been carefully measured to make sure they all fit seamlessly into the overall audible structure.

Taking to the stage shortly beforehand and also working within time restraints were former Brighton residents Cold Pumas. With two albums of material to choose from, their brand of pulsating motorik now has the added live addition of a bass player – leading to an even more throbbing and immersive spectacle. The krautrock-tinged post-punk that references the mundane aspects of British life had the crowd alternating their heads from side-to-side in involuntary obligation throughout and you could argue that no one does this better than Cold Pumas. With the singer/drummer placed strategically in the middle of the stage along with his bass player/rhythmic partner in crime, they rarely escaped from their devoted motorik charter. This then gives the guitar pair on either wing licence to explore the elongated soundscapes with a variety of spiky riffs, heavy chords and effect laden psychs.

Bursting straight into life with ‘Slippery Slopes’ and ‘Open Mouth of Dusk’, the four-piece’s style somehow manages to balance intensity and poignancy within the faultless arrangements. ‘Severed Estates’ then propelled the motorik repetition onto a seemingly impossible level during the chorus as the thunderous drums hammered away underneath the wild riffs. A groove-orienteered bassline then offered the basis for ‘The Shaping of the Dream’ as the two guitarists tussled for superiority in a maze of alternate notes. This proved to be the band’s final song despite cries for an encore coming from the receptive audience. No doubt tracks such as ‘Fugue States’ and ‘The Slump’ would have made an appearance if they weren’t struggling for time, but this didn’t stop what was still a vibrant and immersive performance.

Meanwhile, the fantastic ‘Siam’ was the highlight of Omni’s set with a progressive bassline taking hold initially before a lo-fi sonic breakdown comes into play for the final half of the song. The precise and crisp guitar in ‘Wire’ and ‘Afterlife’ gained the biggest crowd response, however, with the three instruments all bleeding together to create perfectly crafted, infectious compositions. The night may have ended abruptly, but the spectators left safe in the knowledge that their weekends had begun with two groups who have perfectly mastered their live craft.

Paul Hill

Website: omni.bandcamp.com
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