Omni
by Minus the Bear
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    As Minus The Bear stray further from the prickly, smartass math-rock of thier early days, the group seem focused on crafting the perfect album to launch them into another dimensuion entirely--and Omni, with its brainy intricacy and adventurous heart, may just be that spaceship. [Jun 2010, p.106]
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  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    88
    Omni is accessible yet not watered down; complex and engaging all at once. Its catchy and progressive elements will surely dig its way into your cerebellum.
  3. Urb
    80
    Omni doesn't reach the same dizzying heights that some of their past releases have attained, but it's a solid piece of work. Definitely something to keep blasting in the car for the upcoming summer months.
  5. Billboard.com
    78
    With erotic themes, smooth production and the use of a Japanese Omnichord synthesizer, the band's fourth album, OMNI, proves that there's still plenty to explore.
  6. Filter
    76
    Minus The Bear is still boasting its trademark funkadelic rock grooves meshed with electro-pop quirk, but now with a smoother and more linear structure. [Spring/Summer 2010, p.108]
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  7. Slant Magazine
    70
    It's syrupy, heart-on-the-sleeve stuff, so slickly produced and acutely cornball that it has no logical place on the record of any semi-obscure, self-respecting indie rock band. And yet Omni remains intriguingly smooth and flip.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    70
    While the ten tracks here can switch from sexy to mature, dark to funky, and the differences make themselves further known with extended listening, the heavy reliance on the synth does, unfortunately, keep that complaint intact. Omni is still a very solid record.
  9. AllMusic
    70
    All the pieces that make Minus the Bear an entertaining listen are still here, but rather than experimenting with more progressive arrangements, the goal is to carefully control the mood of the album, creating a soundscape that's more restrained than anything they've ever done, but just as affecting.
  10. PopMatters
    70
    For the most, the album shows Minus the Bear tinkering very little with the sound it crafted on past releases. However, in the few instances on OMNI when the group does step away from its tried-and-true formula, the result features less forward-thinking experimentation and, instead, contains a larger does of '90s alt rock.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 5 out of 22
  1. mitchelljgreco
    May 3, 2017
    7
    A less successful effort from the group, but there are some gems in there, as well. Even though some songs are set up for a full listening,A less successful effort from the group, but there are some gems in there, as well. Even though some songs are set up for a full listening, they just are not successful in that way (Animal Backwards maintaining the Into the Mirror theme but being offset a 16th note, Summer Angel starting in same key (pitch) and tempo where My Time ends). Overall, it seems like the band is trying too hard in spots (for a new sound, integrating new ideas from new members?).

    However, My Time is a solid song if you like electronics. Dayglow Vista Road is an awesome song with many layers - very unique, syncopated groove from Erin Tate on drums - and Excuses and Hold Me Down are well written tunes that don't seem to have been overladen with attempts to make them what they are not. It becomes clear on this album that Jake's voice just seems to get smoother and smoother, and the band is allowing space for his vocals to shine through (Fooled by the Night). Although the syncopation is still there, the album is essentially all in "simple" 4/4 time (minus the electronics vs. acoustic instruments in the intro of Dayglow and the unison hits in the coda), which is an adjustment for those that have lived through their discography. Less consistent album here but still some very good tracks.    … Full Review »
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