LA synth-pop outfit Oblivz grabbed me from the opening line of their debut, "Nobody should have to eat shit to live." I one-thousand percent agree and I'd probably endorse their EP
Uplifts based on that one line alone. But I don't need to because there is a lot to appreciate about this four-song buffet of righteousness and catchy riffs. Chief songwriters and performers Andrew Slater and Charlie Wilmoth have a powerful sense of melody, one which they utilize it to execute some daring and memorable hooks. The persuasive pull of these tracks is on par with that of the more hip-motivating entries of the '10 indie-dance era, but with a wry, socially conscious bite that doesn't strain to remind one of Gary Numan's encounter with the
Pleasure Principle. Oblivz still has a bit of garage rock, ruff and readiness to them though that doesn't allow them to be pigeonholed as simply as a new wave revival. They're stranger than that. More self-aware too. And clever as well. They are also possessed of a clear sense of what needs to change about the world and who should inherit its spoils. From the anvil working flow and chain tossing groove of the modular faux-gospel jam "Only the Weak Survive" to the dove-like ascent of the porcelain-toned and emancipatory digital-dancewave number "Time Cop," to the drive-in arena rock and big, romantic rip-up of "Two Is Impossible,"
Uplifts will keep your head bobbing and your toes tapping while you draw up your master plan to fix what those who came before you have failed to mend. A tall order, I know. But I think you're up to the task. Or at least you will be, if you believe that you are.
