Tye Trujillo is the son of METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo. Tye is a monster bass player and still a teenager. OH, he also plays guitar. He played METALLICA’S “Master Of Puppets” on the iconic episode of “Stranger Things”. Now he’s got his own band OTTTO who are impressive to say the least.
Even though the bands are musically a little different, I’m brought back to his father’s days in SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and INFECTIOUS GROOVES. Both bands, much like OTTTO are super tight with a killer groove and had a strong cult following.
OTTTO are still establishing themselves, but they have a much more accessible sound (and name) for radio success. OTTTO have a Modern Rock groove that does harken more to days past, but certainly lean into the future. Much like SUICIDAL TENDENCIES they have influences of Funk and Trash Metal, but OTTTO has eliminated any rapping and opted for more clean vocals and harmonies. Bryan Noah Ferretti does a great job with the vocals AND guitar, which is impressive to say the least.
The three-piece are super-tight, drummer Patrick “Triko” Chavez is a mega accomplished player as well, especially for his young age. It’s mind-blowing how these guys sound and play years beyond their age.
What I appreciate is that I can’t put an exact label or compare them to one band or another. I’ve only used SUICICAL and INFECTIOUS as a reference because of the Trujillo connection. I honestly wouldn’t have thought of them otherwise. They seem to have a huge variety of influences going on melded in with their own style. In my opinion that’s the recipe for something great and long-lasting.
‘Dance Of The Dead’ was one of the singles. It’s a smokin’ rocker with a chorus that has a a more “Pop” vibe, which sounds really cool with the heavy guitars and thumping rhythm section. Not sure if Modern/Active Rock will latch onto it, they might not consider it quite “safe” enough, which is unfortunate.
The first two cuts “My Pain” and “Skyscraper” are both killer as well. The latter is one of the most interesting songs musically, it really shows off their skills. “Ride Low” is a sick jam too, great vibe to this song.
Just when you get comfortable with the sound, “Trip” comes around and “trips” you up with it’s haunting melodies and a more mid-tempo pace. This could actually be the best radio track, even though it’s far from my personal fave.
Honestly, there isn’t a weak track on this album, it’s all interesting, the musicianship is phenomenal and the production is great too. I have to give this an 8.5 out of 10 mostly because of the “fresh” sound their bringing to the table.
Vocals, Guitar / Bryan Noah Ferretti
Bass / Tye Trujillo
Drums / Patrick “Triko” Chavez
All songs written by Bryan Noah Ferretti, Tye Trujillo and Jonah Abraham
[Except “The Void” written by Bryan Noah Ferretti, Tye Trujillo and Patrick “Triko” Chavez]
Words and Lyrics by Bryan Noah Ferretti
[Except for “Skyscraper” lyrics by Bryan Noah Ferretti and Tye Trujillo]
