Album Review: Lespecial – Omnisquid

Article by: Matt Guevara

Since their founding in 2005, Boston natives Lespecial have been creating the signature blend of funk, hip hop, rock, and electronic sounds that has earned them a well deserved place in the music scene. Their unique sound commands the attention of all those within earshot, and since their formation, they have played on bills nationwide including festivals such as Disc Jam, and, now, on tour with funk band Turkuaz. Their previous work on the Ceremony EP has made them a reputation as a dark, eclectic mashup and their newest full length album, Omnisquid, certainly holds up to that expectation.

If aliens were making a road trip to earth to, you know, abduct people, they would be listening to Omnisquid on the ride here. In all seriousness, it has a feeling to it that can only be described as weird, in the best way possible. Jumping through periods of hypnotic rhythms, catchy riffs, and synth grooves fit for a club, the album is an emotional rollercoaster of deep sea vibes. Throw in a healthy dose of heavy metal and punk influenced guitar, and you have one of the most interesting new albums out there. As the album progresses, the sea monster theme becomes more and more prevalent in Lespecial’s sound, with the album’s cover art serving as a great visual aid. Parts of the album, particularly it’s second track, “Squid Rising”, have an almost comic book-like vibe, adding to Omnisquid’s story-like quality. The album builds up more and more throughout, finally climaxing in the artist favorite, “Deep Fish”.

Lespecial, an already underrated band, is getting nowhere near the credit deserved for their full length album, Omnisquid. The album truly belongs to a genre of its own, and can be appreciated by everyone from the rock and roller to the metalhead, to the electronica lover. If experimental sounds that will change the way you think about music are what you’re looking for, then you’ve just hit a street called easy with Omnisquid, and I honestly can’t recommend it more highly.

Track Listing:

1. Fruit Wolf Dance
2. Squid Rising
3. Omnisquid
4. Optimus Prime Slot
5. Sugaboi
6. Leaps Evil
7. Ships in the Night
8. New Fish
9. Pressed For Time
10. Absolutely Stunning