“You Talkin’ To Me” – OHMS
A fantastical journey welding art rock, progressive rock, synth pop and more, the brand-new single Bimbo’s Inferno is out now from boundless Melbourne creative OHMS is an intricate and unpredictable ride that marks a first single ahead of a, yet to be announced, full length album.
Peeling layers of oscillating genres and foreboding yet playful theatricality, Bimbo’s Inferno also dazzles with starry-eyed melodics interplaying between sudden sinister stylistic shifts. A pop song at its core immersed in woozy vocals and intergalactic instrumentation, Bimbo’s Inferno
never wholeheartedly commits to any one genre for long, instead finding OHMS, aka Melbourne artist Hugo Ivers, exploring inspiration from a galaxy of sonic corners, including R. Stevie Moore, MGMT, XTC, The Cleaners from Venus and the early works of Montreal.
“Unpredictability, intricacy, and colour are elements I’ve always strived for when creating music, and Bimbo’s Inferno exemplifies this effort,” Ohms concludes. “I hope that the madcap, warped pop song that Bimbo’s Inferno is, crawls its way into the hearts and ears of those who appreciate its absurdity.”
First up, can you please give us a quick intro to OHMS?
OHMS is the project of Melbourne-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer, Hugo Ivers. Drawing upon a vast and plethora of artistic influences from the mid-late 20th century, ‘Ohms’ conveys a nostalgic, yet timeless collage of sounds which teeter on the brink of the absurd, whilst never straying too far away from foundational pop sensibilities.”
In less than 50 words describe your music and yourself.
My music is an eclectic amalgamation of a vast variety of influences, all equally as significant as each other, but for differing reasons. I would describe myself as hyper vigilant. An organized, routined perfectionist.
What was the first rock/pop concert you attended?
My first concert was ‘The Mars Volta’ at festival hall with my dad, and brother back in 2007. I was just nine years of age at the time. Kinda hilarious to picture a chubby, awkward little man attending such a wild gig, but it happened!
Punk or Goth Music:
Goth. The atmosphere of some groups is to die for.
Who are you excited about, music wise, at the moment?
The Sydney-based group ‘Eunuchs’. I think their work is extraordinarily unique and boundary pushing.
The Best live artist/band you’ve seen:
Black Midi were utterly insane in the flesh. It was really inspiring to witness that level of musicianship, and to watch as they interpret such layered compositions without skipping a beat. Truly a cohesive unit.
Your “In the mood for love” song:
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Tiny Tim
What are you currently reading?
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Ambroise Choderlos de Laclos
Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record?
Sowiesoso by Cluster
Which song do you wish you had written?
There are far too many… Maybe anything Ron Mael wrote between 1969-1980?
Author Manuel Puig said “I’m not terribly happy about rock and roll. Rock music is uninspiring, numbing; it makes you feel like an idiot.” Discuss.
I guess rock music in its purest form is rather dumb, but I think it speaks to our primitive desire for raw energy and an electric rush of adrenaline that we get off on. Sure, some of Iggy Pop’s lyrics may be ‘dumb’, but humans are dumb. Better to embrace the cliches sometimes rather than hide behind a facade of pompousness.
Vinyl, Cassette, CD, mp3 or Streaming?
Streaming for convenience, vinyl for experience.
If you could hang out with any music artist, in a bar one afternoon, who would it be?
Matt Berry. I think he would just be a laugh to spend time with.
What is your worst habit?
Mobile phone.
How often do you look at your mobile phone?
Far too often.
Any good back stage stories?
Touring Europe years ago we jokingly requested a bottle of Fireball at every venue. They delivered much to our surprise. Very hospitable those Europeans.
An alien lands on Earth and wants to know what Rock and roll sounds like. What song do you play him?
I think Search and Destroy by The Stooges is an appropriate candidate.
Favourite all time TV show:
Twin Peaks, without a doubt.
What is your specialty in the kitchen?
Nutritious slop.
With whom would you like to record a song with?
Brian Eno.
You have tickets to see The Killers and Bruce Springsteen but they are on the same night. Which one do you attend?
I think I would have to go with Springsteen purely so you could say you saw him live. The Killers are still young, they’ve got a few more miles left in the tank.
Where do you hope to be in 12 months?
Globetrotting, hopefully.
Interview By Geoff Jenke
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