Omnom – “Of Open Roads and Skies” (Album Review)

Vancouver poet/rapper, Omnom, drops a lyrical project unlike pretty much anything you’ve heard before.

If I had to describe “Of Open Roads and Skies” in just one word, that word would be atypical. The instrumentals- atypical. Vocabulary- atypical. Vocals- atypical. Does that mean this album isn’t worth a listen? Absolutely not. Omnom can hold his own when it comes to writing, and his multi syllabic rhymes are a cut above just about everyone who might be considered mainstream.

It would be very easy to write Om and his work off as Emo Rap, but that would be a judgement made at face value. Though there is an element of darkness and pain in his voice, there’s also a fair amount of power there as well. I’m sure there are some Hip Hop fans who would find it too nontraditional, but his unique vocal sound largely shapes his personal style as an artist and he’s already mastered using it to maximum effect.

The entire album was produced by a friend of Omnom’s who goes by the name Unifier. Every single track has depth and feels cohesive. You won’t find a single trap beat in “Open Roads” but instead intricate acoustic instrumentals. There isn’t much variety in mood, but they also sound different enough to hold the listener’s attention if Om’s flow wasn’t already.

Speaking of Omnom’s flow, it’s absolutely one of the best I’ve heard in a very long time. In his first song, “Depart,” he writes a multi scheme that lasts for something like 17 bars. This man has an extremely technical pen, and even if you don’t dig his music, it demands your respect.

All in all, “Of Open Roads and Skies” is a pretty good album, but whether or not you appreciate it comes down to personal preference as Omnom has a style and sound that is entirely his own.

Rating: 7/10

Highlights: Production, Lyricism, Flow

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