Album Review: Oooth – Catastrophe (Self Released)

The 9th of December sees the release of Catastrophe, the new album from South African hard rockers Oooth, led by renowned drummer, guitarist, and vocalist Jason Oosthuizen.

It features guest appearances from some of South Africa’s most prestigious musicians, namely Albert Frost, Arno Carstens (Springbok Nude Girls), Cito (WONDERboom) and the legendary PJ Powers.

Comments Jason:

The album was written between 2021 and 2022 and mostly revolves around experiences throughout this time. Some life-changing decisions that were made, appreciation for the few consistencies in life, and some very sad and traumatic stories all played part in the writing process.

We are very excited to launch this new album, not only because we feel this is definitely our best one yet and so much more effort was put into it, but I also got to collab with some more of my favourite SA Musos, Albert Frost, Cito, and Arno Carstens. Putting it all together where I feel most at home, High Seas Studios, also played a big part in the overall excitement I feel for this album.

An infectious hard-rock album filled with groove, Oooth get the body moving and head-banging from the start with the kick-ass Break Out. A track that sees Albert Frost add some growl to the singalong chorus.

I’d Be Lying then follows that strong opener with plenty of energy and pop-punk vibes. Before Here’s to Us showcases a nice combination of upbeat melody and rocking moodiness. Oooth hitting the radio-play highs with tracks like these.

There’s a return to chunkier and heavier guitar groove with I Go Nowhere, where guest Arno Carstens adds some immense vocal fire. Oooth at their head-banging finest. Whereas Safe Tonight sees them get a little melodramatic and Speak for Yourself sees them reach anthemic highs that will have mass appeal.

It’s an area that Oooth certainly excel at and while not everything is as immediately grabbing, there’s no denying the intent. Which does make the grander melody of Wildfire much more appealing. Arguably the most powerful sounding track on the entire album.

Though, it’s not over yet as there are two more tracks and two more guests to be featured. Firstly, the energised foot-tapper that is One More Time, featuring the delicious vocals of Cito. Then, secondly, the stupidly catchy It’s Quite Simple, which features PJ Powers. Two more enjoyable rock bangers on an album that has plenty to offer if you just want to have a good time.

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