Oxygene8: Freak of Chance Review

It’s not everyday that we get to hear a musician wielding the Chapman Stick, but for those who are seeking a little stick play, look no further than Oxygene8. Linda Cushma, vocalist and stick player, leads the bands with her musical technician and lush vocals.

After doing a little research on the band I read many reviews which labeled Freak of Chance a progressive album. To call it prog would be a bit of a stretch. It would probably be safe to call it a light prog album with heavy pop sensibility. The music is driven by melodic atmospheric soundscapes that retain a dark and spacey tone, yet at the same time manages to have a catchy pop flair. The sound is somewhat similar to A Perfect Circle minus the heavy riffs. Cushma splits her vocalization between spoken word on the verses and stellar singing on the chorus. The spoken word gets a little irritating and almost impedes on the listening experience. There’s no reason for Cushma to not be singing throughout, she clearly posses the chops to belt it out. On the opening track “Close Your Eyes” featuring Tony Levin (King Crimson) on bass, Cushma displays her vocal talents best on the chorus purveying rich emotion through her soft and powerful voice.

Cushma is certainly a talented stick player and vocalist. The music would be well served if she were to let loose and let it all hang out. This twenty-two minute album is certainly strong, but I believe there was a lot of potential which wasn’t quite realized. Aside from that, this is still a strong album that definitely deserves praise. Oxygene8 is a band which will certainly have a bright future.

Grade: B-