EP Review: Osaka ‘Manouevres’

Melbourne-based trio Osaka have just released their debut EP ‘Manouevres’, and it’s looking like we may have some new indie rock darlings on our hands.

‘Manouevres’ is clearly influenced by the likes of The Killers, Foals, and The Strokes, ripe with the sort of sound we’ve come to expect from these indie classics. Solid rock beats, retro synthesisers, sharply catchy guitar riffs, and bitterly astute lyrics come together to create a sound that seems too mature for a group of 20-year-old musicians.

EP opener Tease has a simple catchy sound, managing to be a compelling yet unsettling track. In the first verse nothing is gratuitous, with each instrument having a purpose, making the sound simplistic but not boring. The catchy, pop vibe is offset by lyrics more frustration than jubilation, creating an interesting juxtaposition between sound and meaning.

“Vessel manages to encapsulate the strengths of the golden era of indie rock, but with enough of a unique sound to keep it from being everything we’ve heard before.”

Second up is Weights, the latest single from Osaka, and it sets the mood immediately with a catchy guitar riff. Frontman Edvard Hakansson’s vocals carry the sense of the everyman, bringing power through the emotion rather than technical skill, and making the songs a dream to sing along to. And if you’re not singing along by the chorus, there’s probably something wrong with you.

The first single released from the EP Vessel begins with a basic, catchy bass line quickly picked up by the guitar and synth, with Hakansson’s tinkly vocals hovering over the top. This escalates into an astonishing chorus, dropping the gentleness in favour of a harder rock vibe. Probably the highlight of the EP, Vessel manages to encapsulate the strengths of the golden era of indie rock, but with enough of a unique sound to keep it from being everything we’ve heard before.

“…if you’re not singing along by the chorus, there’s probably something wrong with you.”

Fourth track Indian Summer begins with a smoother, cooler sound, a definite reprieve from the intense rock sound of the first three tracks. Heavier on the synthesiser, it’s got more groove and less angst than we’ve heard up until now. The lyrics justify this, painting a picture of stuffiness and stagnation, begging over and over again “Can we lose the heat?”.

‘Manouevres’ finishes with Clarity, probably the most aptly-named track on the EP. It begins with light synthesisers picking out a delicate melody, coupled gentler vocals than the rest of the track. The urgency of the track builds with the addition of extra instrumental layers, but it still manages to maintain the sense of freedom. The addition of animal calls over the top of the music lends it a little wildness without being too cheesy.

The tracks feel well thought out and show a level of polished professionalism that’s surprising in such young whipper-snappers. It’s darkly compelling, incredibly catchy, and shows the accomplished hand of Malcolm Besley (The Creases, Snakadktl) in its production quality.

This EP is a promising start for Osaka, showing the kind of compelling song-writing and performances that are hard to capture, even for seasoned musicians. For their maiden offering, Osaka have pulled off some skilful ‘Manouevres’…

Check out our in-depth review of Osaka’s single Weights HERE and their first single Vessel below!