On Tuesday night, the quintessential psychedelic band Osees (formerly known as Thee Oh Sees) delivered a performance at Metro Music Hall that will be remembered by Salt Lake City for years to come. Choosing to plunge into the multi-faceted world of psychedelic rock might seem daring, but for a band with such a storied past—tracing back to John Dwyer’s 1997 debut under the name “Orinoka Crash Suite“—it’s a natural fit. As the crowd packed in tightly, eyes scanning for the perfect spot amidst the sweat and fervor, the anticipation was palpable.
The sold-out crowd, packed like sardines, was primed by opener Timmy’s Organism, who set the stage with a surge of raw energy. At precisely 8:55 p.m., the audience erupted with chants of “I love you John!” and “Have my babies!”—a testament to the fervent following Dwyer commands. By 8:56, Dwyer himself took the stage, launching the night with a mesmerizing rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Interstellar Overdrive.” It was a bold claim to make, but Dwyer’s avant-garde twist on the classic proved more compelling than Barrett’s original.
From there, the night unfolded with relentless precision. Dwyer’s catatonic Supersonic Fuzz Gun noises guided us through a sonic landscape where every chord strummed felt like a transcendental experience. The crowd, a sea of moving bodies, air-strummed along to tracks like “Plastic Plant,” reveling in the seamless rhythm section provided by Dan Rincon and Paul Quattrone. The orchestrated chaos on stage translated into pure, unfiltered sheer fuck excitement in the audience.
Dwyer, ever the considerate frontman, took a moment to check his equipment and ask, “Alright, y’all dig it? Is everyone alright out there?” This brief interlude was a testament to his commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the crowd—a punk rock gesture that further endeared him to the fans.
The night continued to pulse with energy as the Osees poured their hearts into the performance. Each track was a journey through various sub-genres, showcasing their unique ability to shift from psychedelic garage rock with “I Come From Mountain” to experimental lo-fi sounds in “The Dream.” The crowd, drenched in sweat, was held captive by the band’s feral energy. Tomas Dolas’s keyboard work on “Rogue Planet” was particularly standout, weaving dense, atmospheric elements into the band’s already complex tapestry of sound.
Tim Hellman’s bass craft during “Toe Cutter – Thumb Buster” was another highlight, demonstrating intricate rhythm and melodic interplay with Dwyer. The dynamic interaction between the two was nothing short of a work of art.
Throughout the night, it was evident that Thee Oh Sees have evolved significantly over the years, with John Dwyer being the sole constant. The audience was treated to a glimpse into the band’s storied past and future trajectory, solidifying their impact on the underground and experimental rock scenes. For those in Salt Lake City, this was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As someone who has attended hundreds of shows, I can confidently say that the OSEES remain firmly in my top three every single damn time I see ‘em. Their performance on Tuesday night was yet another testament to their unrivaled brilliance and enduring influence. Thanks for making me feel alive again guys. It’s been awhile since I’ve sweat through my bell bottoms.
Check the band out on the rest of their tour in the U.S. this fall and Europe in June of 2025.
