Album Review: OTN – Tabula Rasa (Self Released)

It’s been a long wait for the eclectic rock band, OTN (Outside the New)’s debut album but they finally released Tabula Rasa (Latin for clean slate) early last year.

An exciting and energetic opener comes in the form of Braille. An early showcase of what OTN bring when it comes to riffs, bass hooks and catchy rhythms. The echo that accompanies the vocals is particularly cool sounding.

Jacks to Position ups the quality almost immediately with powerful vocals that switch between subtle singing and desperate shouts with ease. All while the bass hums away like a swarm of bees. Then the groove of The Finer Points of Gravity makes a play for being seen as the best track on the album. This is a track with a bit of swagger to it and brings the eclecticism of the band front and centre with off-kilter riffs and rap-vocals that are reminiscent of Linkin Park. Hefty praise, indeed.

In fact those elements take prominent place in the melodic efforts of Circles and the bouncy beat of Left of Center that shows off a Tool-style chorus. The latter of the two is exceptional and the best track on the album. That or the fantastic Bleed Me Dry, a song that really shows of how imaginative OTN are.

There’s a hell of a lot going on in Tabula Rasa and it is near-impossible to lump it into one particular sub-genre. This might mean some people are put off by much of the oddities that are running through it like veins but at its core, this is a rock album and a bloody great one too.

OTN – Tabula Rasa Full Track Listing:

1. Braille
2. Jacks to Position
3. The Finer Points of Gravity
4. Circles
5. The Torrent
6. Left of Center
7. Tabula Rasa
8. Bleed Me Dry
9. The Great Divide
10. Plastic Crown
11. Moving Steadily

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You can pick up Tabula Rasa via all major services and stores including Spotify and Apple Music below. Find out more about OTN and keep up to date with news by checking out their website, Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram.