OPM - California Poppy Album Review

OPM
California Poppy
Album Review

OPM (from 'opium' - geddit?) had a minor hit in the UK with Heaven is a Halfpipe; California Poppy is their third album. Purportedly. It seems an awful lot like their first two - a strange blend of reggae, ska and rock all wrapped up in a streetwise skater image, and then sung in a Will Young soft whisper voice, with no edge to speak of. While 'laid back' is clearly what the band are aiming for, the subject matter is generic 'we're hard, we are', which fits neatly with the generic (and strikingly boring) lite hiphop reggae.

Heavily influenced by bands like Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, California Poppy is a more polished production than the first two albums, relying heavily on grooves and feel. But, the overall feel is more of a German or French band having a go at some hiphop (although the lyrics would probably improve in that case), than anything cooler.

Rating 5/10

Mike Rea