In 2006 and 2007 if you wanted to encounter an electro-funk-rock sandstorm in Cardiff, the name you would check in the listings for was Omega66. Formed from some of the remnants of the rawer Dark Chunk, they were showing signs of going stratospheric – a burgeoning live reputation, exclusive airplay from Annie Nightingale, and their excellent Essential Fatty Acids debut LP all promised much. Beyond that, when performing they displayed almost telepathic command over their instruments, always sounding sharper than a sushi knife.
So when, shortly after the release of the LP, they retired from live performance, the city collectively intook its breath and shed a single, moist tear.
However, as it turned out, all was not lost. Chiefpin Krik kept the Omega66 project alive as a studio string-puller and has since been producing some intriguing glimpses into a forthcoming second LP entitled Nools And High Horses. Set for release in Summer 2010, it seems a great deal of time’s been spent pulling in a range of collaborators and capturing a sense of diversity alongside the tried and tested template of strong beats and melodies. Magic Notion, featuring Sabrina Mahi, has a slap-bass funk chic about it. It’s Demeaning is a quasi-political knees-up masterpiece with echoes of Soul II Soul reverberating off frantic electronica. Sally Thomas’ vocal effort on The Way It Is lends it a lush laidback Massive Attack ambience while Something On My Brain’s house tempo plays alongside a Beta Band quirkiness.
On the basis of these previews, there’s definite cause for excitement. But even more exciting is the fact that the desire to bring the LP’s qualities to the streets has resulted in the end of Omega66’s three-year hiatus as a live act. With Sally Thomas taking vocal duties and Krik juggling laptops, guitars and levers, as well as the inorganically tight rhythm section of Jase “The Funk Sheriff” and Adrian “Sugar Dog”, the band are re-emerging on the 22nd May at The Globe.
With terrific material at their disposal and their indisputable live prowess, the MMP suggests this ride might be one worth getting on.
Words: Simon Read / Photo: Paul Roberts
