Named for famed soul singer Otis Redding, Odis hails from Dallas, Texas (and made sure to remove a “t” and insert a “d” into their name specifically for their hometown).
Odis members Larry Gayao (vocals), Rob Bastien (guitar), Bristen Phillips (Bass), and Mike Peters (drums) had already established a local following from their live performances when they released their debut album, Feel in March 2008.
The songs on Feel are reminiscent of an older style of rock, with a heavy focus on guitar riffs.
Gayao may not have the best vocals ever laid down on an album, but his voice is certainly unique, with its gruff mix of rock edge and a little bit of country twang mixed in. He literally sounds “a little bit country, and a little bit rock n’ roll.” If Dallas’s dual personalities could be represented by a vocalist’s singing style, Gayao would be it.
The lyrics themselves are fairly simple and straightforward, with a lot of chorus repetition throughout the album in songs like “The Hardest Part.” “The hardest part of losing you girl is knowing that I’m going to need you” is repeated at the beginning, the middle, and the end.
“I’m Not Coming” offers a refreshing detour from the other songs on the album, choosing to focus less on guitar and instead adding in some heavy drums, tambourine, and a seasoning of funk. “Troubled Soul” also makes a departure and takes a much more sinister and soulful approach, showcasing Gayao’s ability to do a different style of singing and making their band’s namesake seem more fitting than any other song on the album.
Unfortunately, most of Odis’s songs are not terribly original in their arrangements or style. Songs like “Feel” feel more like a bar anthem rather than a rock anthem.
There’s one thing that cannot be denied about Odis’s debut album though: it’s catchy as hell. Even after only one listen of the album, you’ll find yourself humming “Lie to Me” and “It’s a Shame” (I know cause I did). There is no doubt that Odis’s music is “fun” in the truest sense of the word and can inspire even the shyest of concert or bar goers to stand up and dance for a song or two (with or without the influence of alcohol).
