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Nov 18, 2009 Web Exclusive By Michele Yamamoto

Music and meditation are often in overlap, and countless cultures don't even differentiate between music and religious practice. And bands like Om work to achieve that gray area in more western forms like, say, a rock band. God is Good, the band's new album, is just such an effort.

Divided into four long tracks, with the first being just about as long as the remaining three combined, the band seeks some sort of enlightenment through extended forms. Essentially, the first half is reminiscent of a jam band with a psychedelic bent, but the production quality and lack of development keeps the first two tracks bogged down in stagnancy. Hints of Tool and Primus without the long-term narratives emerge. It isn't until the third track that the music begins to open up its potential. "Cremation Ghat I" and "Cremation Ghat II" utilize rhythm and fuller sound spectrums to leave the album on a satisfying note that the opening hints may never come.

While Om is seeking some sort of transcendence through music, God is Good takes far too long to get started, rendering the second half too little too late. (www.omvibratory.com)

Author rating: 5/10