Omni – Souvenir

Sub Pop (inscription)

February 16, 2024 (released)

3 d

Omni is an American trio consisting of Frankie Broyles (guitar), Philip Frobos (vocals/bass) and Chris Yonker (drums). Based in Atlanta, they have been in the music business since 2011 and have three albums firmly under their belt. Notably, they were called “the best post-punk band in America” ​​on the back of their 2019 album Networker. Five years later, Omni returns with another fresh and exciting record. “Souvenir” is their fourth album (second under Sub Pop) and will be released in February 2024.

“Souvenir” is an incredibly easy and fun listen. There's a certain intimacy to their music and this album feels warm and comforting as if it's been playing in our cars and bedrooms for decades. There is something truly universal and compelling about their sound. I imagine their audience is a mix of generations and tastes.

With bass and guitar riffs pouring out of my speakers, “Souvenir” opens the album with the catchy single, “Exacto”. Whether intentionally or not, the record incorporates elements of the new and the old. There are hints of alternative indie quirk from The Futureheads combined with Broyles' post-punk TV guitar style. “Plastic Pyramid”, “Verdict” and “F1” feature additional vocals from Automatic's Izzy Glaudini, adding a subtle sense of cool nonchalance to Omni's signature The Strokes meets The Kooks sound.

Combining high energy with melodic storytelling throughout the album, their music lands in Sparks Brothers and Talking Heads territory. Omni's lyrics are based on the eccentricities and absurdity of life, with a wry humor that permeates all of their songs. “INTL Water” is a perfect example of this. On an album full of A-tracks, “Double Negative” is a particular highlight and “Granite Kiss” is extremely chaotic harnessing a frenzied energy that reminds me of Franz Ferdinand. They wrap things up with “Compliment”, which takes on a psychedelic / late Beatles note.

Overall, “Souvenir” is a delightfully infectious and charismatic album that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Watch the video for “Exacto” here:

Track List:
1. Exactly
2. Plastic Pyramid
3. Common mistakes
4. INTL Waters
5. Double Negative
6. PG
7. Granite kiss
8. Verdict
9. F1
10. Be rude
11. Compliment