OTTTO in 35mm
First of all, these dudes kick ass!
When Infectious Grooves announced that OTTTO would be opening their show on August 16, I knew I had to be there. I’ve been following them since their first show in Venice Beach and loving their evolution as a band. The thrashy, groovy, funky vibe, and energy speaks to me, so I was excited to see them once more.
I wanted to shoot the show OG style, using color film as a challenge and exercise for myself. I packed my gear and drove down to Garden Amp with my friends. Once we got to the venue, we chatted Michael Parent, their current vocalist from Seattle “You guys are in for a very cool show, we’re starting with Skyscraper,” he said. I was a bit surprised, they usually end a show with that one. “Hell yeah,“ I replied. “We have a couple of new songs and surprises at the end,” Michael added. I was eager to know what was coming, but resisted asking any further details. It’s more thrilling not knowing what’s coming next.
They got on stage and Tye broke into that heavy bass line, closely followed by Triko’s steady drumbeat, right into Michael Arms’s crunchy guitar, a heavy punch to the chest, followed by a hook from Michael’s vocals. The show was on! Mosh pits broke out as they played hits like My Pain and Dance of the Dead from their album “Life is a Game”. The first surprise began with one of the new songs they've been working on “!KBAS*,” followed by “Canyon*,” a song I believe deals with the “A.I. Generation.” The biggest surprise happened with “Sweaty Pool*,” another thrashy high octane tune featuring none other than Nick Oliveri, former bassist of Queens of the Stone Age, on vocals, bringing a whole new vibe with his screams. Finally, Tye broke into a bass solo channeling his inner Geezer Butler, masterfully transitioning into the iconic bass line of N.I.B., OTTTO’s tribute to Ozzy and Black Sabbath, a classy and perfect way to finish their outstanding set.
It was exactly what Michael promised and more, a god damn good show! I can’t wait to hear what the boys are cooking up and where they’ll head next. Don’t miss your chance, go see them live when you can; they are incredibly talented and fun!
Special shout-outs to Sacha, Nev, Jessie, RT, Moska, Michelle, Dan, and Carol. Love you guys!
*Possible working tittle
