Cullen Omori
New Misery (Sub Pop)
At the tender age of 25, Cullen Omori already has three hit records under his belt as the frontman for Chicago’s Smith Westerns. On his debut solo album New Misery, Omori strikes out on his own for the first time, taking the next step in his musical growth – one that points him in a more subdued, if not radio-friendly, direction.
The indie glam pop songs on New Misery shimmer with Omori’s atmospheric vocals and reverb-drenched guitars (what is it with reverb these days?). While drawing obvious inspiration from pop icons like the Beatles and Roxy Music, Omori still knows when to hit the pedals, as is evidenced on the chorus of album opener “No Big Deal”.
Omori’s music is lush and dark – qualities that will sound familiar to fans of Smith Westerns – but there’s more form and melody to the songs on New Misery.
“Sour Silk” begins as a futuristic dirge before the drums kick in with a rolling breakbeat that propels the song forward, building to an epiphanic climax. Meanwhile, “LOM”, the second-to-last song on the album – is a sprawling musical affirmation, in stark contrast to the darkness that comes before it.
Omori’s pop sensibilities can occasionally get away from him – most notably on “Cinnamon”, which sounds like it belongs in a toothpaste commercial. But while some of the songs might lack the edge of his previous band, the melodies are sure to stick with you.
Omori is clearly coming into his own, and New Misery is proof he has a long musical career ahead of him.
Rating: ★★★★
