The OddEven’s latest release, Outer Space Outtakes (March 14th), is an experience that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Known for their blend of alternative metal and post-grunge, The OddEven have taken their hard-rocking grooves to new heights with a record that is as bold and gritty as it is electrifying. Every track on Outer Space Outtakes pulses with a raw energy that feels both otherworldly and grounded in the gritty realities of human emotion and struggle.
From the very first note of “First Encounter,” you’re hit with an infectious bassline that sets the tone for the entire album. One that blends the aggression of metal with the infectious rhythms of groove-heavy rock. It’s impossible not to feel the influence of classic rock giants like Rob Zombie, as the bass thunders beneath the distorted guitars, while the song’s structure propels you forward like a runaway train. There’s a sense of cosmic chaos in the music, as if you’ve been launched into a swirling, alien dimension. It’s dark, it’s kinetic, and it’s a hell of a way to kick off the record.
“Innocent” is where the band’s versatility shines. The song channels a distinctly 90s and 00s grunge vibe, instantly recalling the iconic era of Soundgarden. Vocalist Grant Walker’s delivery on this track is nothing short of mesmerizing, evoking memories of Chris Cornell’s tone in “Outshined”. It’s a perfect balance of grit and power. The song moves effortlessly between heavy riff-driven sections and more reflective moments. It shows the band’s ability to craft complex dynamics without losing sight of their rock roots.
One of the album’s most defining tracks is “Come Home”. The riff-heavy hard rock anthem morphs into an emotionally charged power ballad that’s ready to light up arenas. With a chorus built for stadium singalongs, “Come Home” is proof that The OddEven can craft a hook that’s as crushingly heavy as it is heart-on-sleeve sincere. The duality of power and tenderness on display speaks to the band’s gift for combining soaring melodies with a heavy-handed punch.
Things take a heavier turn with “We Gonna Go”, which delivers exactly what you’d expect from a track with that title: gritty, bone-crushing grooves and a vocal performance that’s both ferocious and unrelenting. This is the kind of song that demands to be played at eleven with its relentless energy and hard-edged riffage offering up a dose of pure rock exhilaration. If you’ve been craving something that brings back the hard-hitting aggression of classic metal, this is your fix.
“Suffering” might just be the standout of the album. It’s a perfect blend of heaviness and groove that captures everything The OddEven do best. It’s a song that punches you in the gut with its tight, sludgy rhythms and scorching guitar solos, and yet there’s something hypnotic about it. The track’s ability to merge tension with release is what makes it so unforgettable. It’s dark and brooding, but there’s a hypnotic pull that drags you deeper with every listen.
Bringing the experience back to the gritty and sludgy heart of grunge is “RIPG” with its intense guitar work and pounding drums. If you’ve ever wished for an updated take on that 90s-era heavy rock sound, this is it. The solos are fierce, the grooves are thick, and the track oozes attitude from start to finish. It’s an unfiltered, raw, and unrelenting jam that begs for your attention and doesn’t let go until the final note.
While heavy, “Free” introduces a more open and unrestrained feel. There’s an airiness to the track that stands in contrast to the more tightly wound, aggressive moments elsewhere on the album. The result is something that feels liberating, as if you’ve been let loose into the wilds of a distant galaxy, free to explore without restrictions. The OddEven expertly balances moments of release with their trademark heaviness by creating a track that’s as wide in scope as it is unrelenting in its sound.
Leaning into an aggressive and early Alice in Chains vibe, “Soul” is heavy with chunky riffs and a relentless groove that takes no prisoners. The track has an almost hypnotic quality, drawing one in with its churning rhythms and Grant’s gritty vocal delivery. It’s a perfect example of how The OddEven can bring a modern edge to the grunge sound while retaining its dark and raw spirit.
Closing out the album is “Come Home (Extended)”. It provides a fresh perspective on the earlier track by stretching it out into a more expansive form that lets the song’s nuances breathe. The extra length allows for further exploration of the song’s dynamics by adding even more weight and depth to the emotional arc.
With Outer Space Outtakes, The OddEven have crafted an album that balances the fury of hard rock with moments of delicate and emotional tension. The album’s themes of freedom, alienation, and the battle against toxicity reverberate across the tracks and makes for a cohesive journey that feels as vast as the universe itself. This is a band that knows how to craft unforgettable grooves, fierce riffs, and memorable hooks all while bringing a sense of humour and self-awareness to their cosmic storytelling.
Outer Space Outtakes is a high-energy and hard-hitting album that captures the spirit of rock and metal in its purest form, and it’s one hell of a ride from start to finish.
