Dead Obies’ sophomore effort, Gesamtkunstwerk (out March 4th 2016 via Bonsound), was recorded in part in studio and in part in front of a live audience last month during a series of three sold-out concerts at Phi Centre. It’s their follow-up to Montréal $ud (November 2013), whose critical success and popularity helped propel the band to the forefront of Quebec’s rap scene, as well as earn them a tour in France. With Gesamtkunstwerk, Dead Obies explores new avenues of powerful, melodic choruses and concise raps, juxtaposed with laid-back rhythms, ethereal synths and organic, groovy bass.
The band offers up Aweille! as their first single; an abrasive hybrid (harkening back to 2013’s Tony Hawk) of many musical influences. From the Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication to 2000 footwork by Chicago DJs, Aweille! also references Rage Against The Machine as well as Quebecois folk music (in particular songs like Rapide-Blanc and Avoine, avoine). Available as a video, directed by Gabriel Poirier-Galarneau and shot during the band’s concert series, the song is, without a doubt, Dead Obies through and through.
For this new album, Dead Obies wanted to tailor their songs for the live performance. Where Montréal $ud was rough, dense and introspective, Gesamtkunstwerk’s universe is rallying and inclusive. According to the band:
We wanted to make an album where the sentiments show through the execution and production of the work rather than only through the lyrics. The themes (commitment, the balance of power between truth and falsehood, the notion of individuals connecting around spectacle, etc.) are explored through multiple mediums; from the recording (in concert and in studio) to the album’s commodification, each step of the production is scrutinized so that everything points towards a cohesive discourse. We find ourselves with an album where the music is at the forefront and fulfills its principle purpose: to unite.
Dead Obies will kick off a new tour in Montreal on Thursday, March 10th at Le National.
Tour Dates
03/10/16 Montreal, QC // Le National (Tickets)
03/12/16 Gatineau, QC // Petit Chicago
03/17/16 Saguenay, QC // Côté Cour
03/18/16 Quebec City, QC // Le Cercle
03/19/16 Sherbrooke, QC // Boquébière
03/24/16 Saint-Hyacinthe, QC // Le Zaricot (Tickets)
03/25/16 Terrebonne, QC // Théâtre du Vieux Terrebonne - Salle du Moulinet (Tickets)
03/26/16 Joliette, QC // La Mitaine
03/31/16 Trois-Rivières, QC // L’Embuscade Café Galerie
04/21/16 Victoriaville, QC // Le Carré 150: Cabaret Guy Aubert (Double bill w/ Milk & Bone) (Tickets)