Olympic Dream/Nightmare
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Listen to Olympic Dream/Nightmare
A New York City outfit with an affinity for funk sounds amid their rock’n’roll template,The Ninth’s Olympic Dream/Nightmare is actually a concept record surrounding the Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding scandal.
The title track starts the listen with a mashing of funky horns and bluesy guitars on the soulful opener, and “Saving Grace” follows with a retro feel of calm melodies as smooth female vocals guide the playfulness.
Elsewhere, “Pipe Dream” finds plenty of grooves amid the throwback sounds that offer some jazz nods, while “Why Me?” puts the listen into classic rock territory where calmer ebbs of spirited guitars and vocal acrobatics complement the affair. “Oksana”, one of the best tunes, then offers a driving pace of lush rock’n’roll prowess.
At the end, “Big Night In The Limelight” trims the pace back to a multifaceted approach, and “Bad Guy” exits the listen in an upbeat display of all their varied styles into a single jam band-esque exit of massive skill.
If your interests float anywhere around rock, funk, R&B, theater music or, of course, figure skating, this exceptional listen will be a nice addition to your collection.
Travels well with: Fostina Dixon- Vertical Alignment; Rich Willey’s Boptism Funk Band- Conspiracy