Onoffon - "Your Mind"
(Self-Released, 1999 CD)

Onoffon follows up last year's debut, "Surrender Now", with more of what is best, and most concisely, described as melodic jazz for progressive rockers. Nearly all their songs are rooted in standard fusion, but "rooted" is the key word here. There is more going on instrumentally and stylistically then simple definitions can convey. On "Your Mind" Onoffon is once again Don Lake on guitars, harmonica, keyboards, and vocals, Von Babasin on bass, and Dave Goode on drums and percussion.

Onoffon is less a progressive band with fusion leanings than a song oriented fusion band with progressive rock leanings, though prog fans with a taste for fusion and bluesy jazz will find this band to be rhythmically exciting, toe tapping funky, and tastefully complex in their arrangements. My favorite tracks tend to be those with guitarist Lake's wonderfully soulful vocals and harmonica, and particularly those with guest flute and sax player Glen Garrett (wish list item: make Garrett a full time member).

Among the highlights: The title track "Your Mind" opens with lots of plucking at piano strings and then launches into a Chile Peppers influenced funk rockin' bit reminiscent of moments from the band's debut CD. The duel female backing vocals add an avant rock feel to this freaky but melodic tune. "Shadowglass" is a laid back instrumental fusion piece featuring a gorgeously tasteful guitar solo from Lake. And Glen Garrett embellishes the music with his flute which works beautifully in conjunction with the guitar. Garrett's killer sax wails away on "Mardi Gras" in what may be one of the rhythmically strongest tracks on the disc. Dave Goode's Latin percussion work really gives the tune it's power. "Ocean's Cry" and "Wet Legs" are the tracks with the heaviest rockin' feel to them. Though very much a song, "Ocean's Cry" is a good example of Onoffon's adeptness at creating accessible, yet complex melodic excursions. Another of my favorites is "Opus", an ethereal instrumental track that features Lake ripping off a dazzling solo, and this is the track that should be used to suck in the prog rock crowd. A really nice combination of electric and acoustic guitar.

In summary, Onoffon should appeal to fusion fans who appreciate creative melodies and soulful songs. Contact Onoffon at 12059 Hoffman St #104; Studio City, CA 91604. Click here to visit their web site.

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