Album Review: The Omnific – The Law of Augmenting Returns (Wild Thing Records)

The world’s most prominent bass driven instrumental rock act, Australia’s The Omnific, have returned with their second album, ‘The Law of Augmenting Returns’, released on 7th June 2024 via Wild Thing Records.

In a world of ‘heard it all’, to truly stand out, you have to do something unique. A creed that The Omnific live by with their thrilling two-bass guitars and drums instrumental combination. The Omnific are back and once again, setting out to change the face of music with an album that can be simply called… a thing of beauty.

It doesn’t matter how often it is said, because it is important, The Omnific are unbelievably skilled at making you feel, while also showcasing layer upon layer of complex detail. Which does make the start to The Omnific ≈ Bass, quite amusing. Featuring harmonised voices that extoll the virtues of the bass and what The Omnific do. It will put a big smile on the face, and prepares the mind well for the progressive wonder that follows. You can learn a lot about the immense talents of The Omnific from this track alone, yet, this is just a taste of what this album has to offer.

Take a mighty deep breath, there’s so much more to come.

First, there’s the groovy touches that shine brightly in the title track, encouraging the body to move, but balanced by some grandiose aspects, and no short amount of progressive weirdness. Trust me, it gets really freaking weird. Then there is Matrices, a track with layers of melody, twisted around the eccentric sound of bass being attacked in ways most would never have thought possible. Before the gloriously lovable Base Camp comes along with its nostalgic soulfulness. Yet it, and everything around it, continues to sound inimitably fresh and exciting.

It’s just The Omnific way, and why their brand of ridiculous music never gets old. Will-O’-The-Wisp, Phat Mackerel, and Butterfingers, the latter part of the album doesn’t just to continue to deliver a magical experience, each has their own fascinating and unforgettable vibe. Each is special, but ‘gun to the head’, it’s Will-O’-The-Wisp that stands out the most for its elaborate detail, thrilling twists, and heavy exclamations. Although if we’re talking about heaviness, Phat Mackerel might take first place.

One of the best things about this album is how each track is structured and each always has a beginning and an ending. Which might sound like a silly thing to say, but it’s something that makes so much sense when you hear it. Often, the intros and the outros are different to the bulk of the track, but the flow is divine, so it always works.

Then, just like that and in spectacular fashion, it’s over. Double Malt Ditty, a track that features the musical talents of Rohan Sharma, having bundles of melody and a pace that gets the blood pumping. Yet, it’s the grander cinematic vibes of this track that makes it so special.

A special track amongst special tracks. The Omnific have delivered on what they promise. Compelling progressive music that rejects normal instrumental conventions. There aren’t many bands as unique as them, and The Law of Augmenting Returns is all the prove you need of this statement.

The Omnific – The Law of Augmenting Returns Track Listing:

1. The Omnific ≈ Bass (Feat. Tim Waurick and Luke Taylor of Heartline)
2. The Law of Augmenting Returns (Feat. Charles Berthoud and Kai Den Hertog)
3. Matrices
4. Base Camp
5. Will-O’-The-Wisp
6. Phat Mackerel
7. Butterfingers
8. Double Malt Ditty (Feat. Rohan Sharma)

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