Bacchanalia Magazine

by Kyle Roczniak

It takes a lot to stay relevant when you’re further into a music career but this is no problem for Atlanta-based trio Omni, who release their highly-anticipated fourth album Souvenir. And the gravitas of the project becomes even more apparent upon the realisation that it’s been five years since a release from the band.

The sound is fresh yet undeniably blends their famous mathematical edge and sharp energy from the get-go, proving that Omni’s Frankie Broyles and Philip Frobos haven’t lost their unique sound. Accompanied by drummer Chris Yonker, the band craft a comeback album of the highest quality. The title ‘Souvenir’ reflects  the collection of sounds and individual inspirations that formed together on the project, described by the band as ‘a family photo album, a shoebox holding precious gems’.

Opening track Exacto wastes no time in introducing the satisfying cacophony of layers that is Souvenir. Syncopated beats and stabby guitar licks reflect the playful lyrics – “Exacto de facto, concise, quite right”. And that’s no different in Plastic Pyramid. The first track written by Omni after lockdown, it’s a twisting journey of guitar lines and even features Frobos trading lines with Automatic’s Izzy Glaudini, who features on two other tracks on the project. Despite being the band’s first guest vocalist, they pull it off well, possibly due to the positive relationship garnered from touring together. 

Pushing further into the album, Intl Waters piqued my interest with its flawless textural layers. It really feels like Souvenir is the perfect comeback project, and that Omni gave it their everything. Perhaps this is due to an extended break, or from their work with Atlanta producer and engineer Kristofer Sampson, who pushed the band to the next level and honed in on Frobos’ vocals, ensuring they cut through the complex soundscape to the front of the mix. Latest single Compliment is a great choice for a closing track: it’s fun, rhythmically unique, and takes you on a journey. The latter half of it demonstrates the band’s ability to write glam rock-esque solos, and feature a swelling reverb and slowing down in time. 

Souvenir speaks for itself and is an album I highly recommend checking out. Each track is hand-crafted to be a unique reflection of the band’s inspirations and special writing style and I’m confident they’d be even more elevated in a live setting. Catch Omni tour the UK and Ireland in April 2024.