ON
Shifting Skin
(Epic)

     Following the untimely death of Failure, one of the most inventive rock bands of the nineties, founder Ken Andrews has been reincarnated under the moniker On to release Shifting Skin, a collection of unorthodox yet irresistible tunes.
     Now playing all of the instruments himself, Shifting Skin is a marked departure for Andrews, whose previous work was characterized by exploding guitars and psychotic lyrics.  However, still present is Andrews’ uncanny knack for creating memorably off-kilter melodies and catchy songs that will challenge the listener.
     Andrews' New Wave influences—bands like the Cars, Depeche Mode, and Gary Numan—which were hinted at on his 1995 project Replicants, reign supreme on the new disc.  Synthesizers entangle like spaghetti on driving ditties like "If I Get to Feel You," "Slingshot," and "Soluble Words," the latter of which is currently garnering copious airplay.  "C'mon Collapse" is a timeless pop jewel. Furthermore, the drums are almost exclusively programmed, illuminating Andrews' imaginative rhythmic sensibilities.
     Make no mistake, there are still plenty of guitars, and On does manage to break out and roar from time to time.  "Perfect Imposter" absolutely seethes with acidic lyrics and grinding guitars complemented by a foaming sea of synthesizers.  Likewise, "Paper Thin Soul" pounds out as much ferocity as Failure ever did, with Andrews announcing, "This is the kind of shit I need to drop," over raw, twisting guitar licks.
     However, the happier songs "Building..." and "Feel at Home," although both cool in their own right, seem out of place.  Andrews is definitely better off constructing more melancholy moments, a talent that is showcased on the brooding closing track "Pick Up," which does just the opposite.
     Overall, Shifting Skin stands out as a true original amidst the glut of limp, corny bands that are dominating national attention.  Fans of inventive, melodic music will not be disappointed.

Casey Lombardo
Long Beach Union

Originally printed 4.24.00

Back