Independent Rock Outfit OF LIMBO Unveiled it's New Record, Unplugged

BY: Philip Sayblack

Independent rock outfit Of Limbo unveiled its new record, Unplugged, this week.  The nine-song record is an interesting presentation that is worth hearing at least once.  The record’s blend of originals and covers make that clear, not the least of which being the record’s latest single, ‘Something Real.’  This song will be discussed shortly.  In regard to the covers, one of the most notable is that of Alice in Chains’ ‘Down In A Hole.’  It will be discussed a little later.  ‘Estrada,’ which opens the record, is another original worth noting.  When it is considered alongside the other songs pointed out here and that whole with the rest of the record’s entries, the whole therein makes Unplugged worth hearing at least once.
Unplugged, the new album from Of Limbo, is a work that audiences will find worth hearing at least once.  The record’s blend of originals and covers makes that clear.  Case in point is the record’s latest single, the original composition, ‘Something Real.’  The band premiered the new single late last month.  The song’s musical arrangement is a work that reaches back to the sounds of the 1980s.  This is evidences through the combination of the layered vocals and distinct guitar arrangement.  The arrangement overall is easily compared to Extreme’s hit single, ‘More Than Words.’
The song’s lyrical theme pairs with that engaging and entertaining musical arrangement to add to the work’s interest.  According to band member Luke Davies commented recently about the song’s theme, pointing out it is a commentary about the role of social media in today’s world.
Davies said, “It’s becoming increasingly rare to just live in the moment these days; people are more fixated on documenting the experience for social media, unable to just enjoy what and who they are.  Technology has divided us.  We’d rather rapidly scroll through the plastic portrayal of other people’s lives over existing in our own.  This song is a reminder of the importance of feeling “something real.” 
Davies could not be more right.  Given, this is hardly the first time that any band has ever tackled this issue.  But one look at the role that something, such as Tik Tok has on society this is a message that will never get old because sadly people are going to remain so obsessed with others’ lives, competing with one another even through social media to make it look like their lives are better than others’.  To that end, this is a key message.  It makes it interesting that the song’s musical arrangement is so subdued.  A message like this is typically accompanied by a more “fiery” musical partner.  At the same time, taking Davies’ message into mind, it makes more sense and in turn makes the song work all the more.
Moving to one of the covers featured in this record, the group’s cover of Alice In Chains’ ‘Down in a Hole’ The group’s cover of the classic hit single directly mirrors Alice In Chains’ own performance of the song from its MTV Unplugged performance just sans drums.  The emotional depth is fully on display here.  It is such a heart-wrenchingly beautiful presentation that makes it an easy highlight of this record.  If this song has not been used as a single to represent this album yet, it should be heavily considered.
Going back to the record’s original content, its opener, ‘Estrada’ is yet another notable original composition.  In the case of this song it is a simple, straightforward instrumental performance.  It is just a guitar, bass, and what sounds like possibly a cajon drum.  The flamenco style performance on the lead guitar, paired with the other noted instruments, and the urgency in the arrangement, makes the work so gripping.  It is an interesting way to open the album and that strong of a first impression.  Keeping that in mind, it works with the other songs examined here to paint a clear picture of how much the record has to offer.  When the trio is considered alongside the remainder of the album’s entries, that whole makes Unplugged an interesting addition to this year’s field of new independent albums that is worth hearing at least once.
Unplugged, the latest album from Of Limbo, is a unique presentation among this year’s field of new independent albums.  This is proven through each of the songs examined here. They are a mix of originals and covers whose semi-acoustic approaches give audiences plenty to appreciate, as has been pointed out already.  All things considered they make Unplugged an interesting addition to this year’s field of new independent albums that is worth hearing at least once.
Unplugged is available now.  More information on the album is available along with all of Of Limbo’s latest news at:
Website: https://oflimbo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oflimbo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oflimbo