Album Review: I Don’t Recall Ordering Ordinary

Indie/alternative band Oyawa have bought their loud and ambient tones to the New Zealand music scene with their album I Don’t Recall Ordering Ordinary.

It is evident to hear that Oyawa are not afraid to experiment with sound. They have used this album to freely explore melodies, chords and structure.

This album is a unification of undulating guitar riffs, rolling drums, and an abundance of energy and strong vocals from Nikki Ngatai and backup vocals from Brett Garrity.  

This is definitely not an album one would have playing in the background – if you listen to this, to get the full experience, it needs that volume turned up loud!

Oyawa know when to use noise to create impact, but also when to use refined and restrained melodies to make an impression.

An album that is diverse and interesting to listen to, it keeps within its alternate genre without sounding repetitious.

Stand out tracks for me were Dead Flowers which has interesting lyrics with rock vibes and Holes, using hypnotic, surging and atmospheric guitar chords.

If alternative rock is up your alley, I would recommend you give Oyawa a listen!