Review Fix chats with Owl guitarist Jason Achilles Mezilis, who breaks down the band’s new album, “Things You Can’t See,†due out on July 28, as well as discussing the group’s goals for the future and musical inspirations.
Check out Owl’s Things You Can’t See album teaser here.
For more information on the band, click here.
Review Fix: What was the development of this album like? / What makes this one different from your previous work?
Jason Achilles Mezilis: This album was different from Owl’s previous records in that a lot of the work was more organic in fashion. As a result of that I think it took us a bit longer to reel it all in, but the results speak for themselves. There’s a lot of character on this album, on an individual level and from all involved. I think there’s more focus in each area, from the crushing heavy stuff, to the melodies, to the more atmospheric passages.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you?
Mezilis: Man that’s tough. I would just tell ’em to give a listen, it’s a bit hard to describe outside of your basic “hard rock†moniker. There’s progressive elements, but I think once you hear it you get a good sense pretty quick what this band is all about.
Review Fix: How was “Who’s Gonna Save You Now” written? Is there a story behind it?
Mezilis: Really that is a question better served to our frontman Chris Wyse, but from a strictly musical standpoint we actually turned that one around quite a few different directions before locking down the current arrangement, which was definitely the best ultimate way to go. There was experimentation with some electronica on that tune, and filling in the space on the verses in various fashions, but one thing I in particular really enjoy about that song is the space. I’m a big fan of The Police and their use of minimalism to make a point, for each voice to be heard only when necessary, so I certainly don’t mind sitting out a section of a song if that’s what’s called for.
Review Fix: Who are the band’s main influences?
Mezilis: I can only speak for myself here, but I’m definitely coming from a Van Halen-meets-The Police sort of high energy electric blend with a strong nose to the wind for textures and atmosphere. Also The Doors plays in it for me quite a bit, the push-pull of a large swath of emotions covered in short ground. A little Zep, a little Tool…all that good stuff.
Review Fix: You guys have played with some great bands already and have a ton of experience. What kind of effect have they had on you?
Mezilis: It’s all positive. You get a thrill out of being around musicians you respect, guys that have been doing it and doing it successfully for a long time. Sometimes you learn a lot being around these folks, other times you just grab a beer have a look around and enjoy the ride. Either way, it’s fantastic. All the bands we’ve had these opportunities to play with have been (with very few exception) incredibly gracious and supportive towards what we do.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals with this band?
Mezilis: For me it’s all about the tour. We have a good body of work now, plenty of material to choose from, and it’s all great fun to play live. I want to bring it to a new audience, and there’s nothing better than feeling a band gel with a long string of shows where you just go out there, you’re not even thinking about the music it just hits a groove and you crush it.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Mezilis: Owl has East Coast run of dates coming soon, followed by West Coast shows with Philm [feat. Dave Lombardo of Slayer], with more dates to be announced. And of course our new album Things You Can’t See drops on July 28th.
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