CD review: of god and science, self-titled (Detach Records, May 1, 2007)

By Rachel Heisler

It’s been 10 years since of god and science singer/songwriter Matthew Dominguez and bassist Jeremy Fine began jammin’ together at coffee shops and open mics, and they’re still digging into their bag of tricks today. Having found two gentlemen (Ryan Martino-drums and Julian Martinez-keys, guitar, etc.) who share their desire of making music that’s both light-hearted and emotionally charged at the same time, of god and science has grown exponentially since all the necessary pieces came together.

The Albuquerque-based group is unique in the way it brings together a mix of contemporary, mellow alternative and ’60’s psychedelic pop, while at the same time finding a way to be mysterious and pretty. Not only that, but OGAS has a sense of humor, as is shown in the barnyard intro to “A Lesson In Decay.” Not to say they don’t have a serious side … they do … sometimes deadly in its gravity, as on “Into the Light.” The inclusion of graceful piano adds a mature feature, as does the instrumental “Nations Are Cults,” which has a mid-’90s melody that could almost have been composed by a band like Hum (anyone remember “Stars” from You’d Prefer An Astronaut?) or even Radiohead.

The talent here is as great as the sun is bright. Band members have a serious ear for hearing in which directions songs should go, and take their progressions into lands no one would ever have thought to go. “EMEF” is a perfect example, starting off wispy, making a swift turn into a rock rhythm, only to up the tempo even further until reaching a frenzied peak that drops off just as easily as it started. “Empty Space’s” walking bluesy bass line would bring a tear to a young Roger Waters’ eye.

This self-titled disc is one that that can be critiqued, dissected and analyzed song by song and you’re guaranteed to find something new with each pass, but for those who just want something satiated with niceties and tranquil sounds, it will undoubtedly fit the bill. And, finally, of god and science puts on a passionate live show, where they manage to shine some light on the album’s subtlest nuances and quirky details.

Of god and science released its CD on its record label, Detach Records, which currently hosts a roster of five Albuquerque bands, including The Mindy Set, The Giranimals and The Onlys. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/ofgodandscience, www.detachrecords.com.

Upcoming shows:
06/07/07-Space Maybe, Albuquerque, NM, all ages
06/16/07-Beerland, Austin, TX
06/20/07-Launchpad, Albuquerque, NM