REVIEW: BAD OMENS – ‘FGBGFM UNPLUGGED’; “THROWING LIMITS ON CREATIVE VERSATILITY TO THE WIND”

Bad Omens are throwing limits on their creative versatility to the wind with the release of their latest project, ‘FGBGFM Unplugged’, an acoustic EP revisiting six songs from the band’s full-length album, ‘Finding God Before God Finds Me’.

Chorus-driven “Never Know (Unplugged)”, complete with vocal harmonies with a ghostly attribute to them introduces the EP on a modest, but nonetheless powerful note that’s more upbeat than initially expected.

“Limits” is the song for Bad Omens. I’ve said it previously and I’ll say it again; there’s really nothing else like it in their discography, and the chorus’ delivery is criminally exceptional. The EP’s second track, “Limits (Unplugged)” throws a sonic curveball to anyone expecting it to carry the same loud, in-your-face energy in favour of showcasing the song from a different perspective that’s equally as catchy and replay-able.

Anthemic, compelling, and revisited from the same place of peace it’s rooted in, “Careful What You Wish For (Unplugged)” encourages discussion of finding hope and overcoming loss. I never cared for the original version of this song, but this rendition is more than redeeming— it’s better— due to the visceral reaction it evokes.

“Mercy” fluidly merges raw, vehement anger with seeking higher truths— establishing a jarring relationship between two opposite concepts. “Mercy (Unplugged)”, however, deliberately clarifies how introspective it really is, and Noah Sebastian’s subdued and almost defeated-sounding cadence allows the song’s tenacious lyrical ideas to better resonate amongst listeners.

“Burning Out (Unplugged)” calls for a change of course and is undisputedly the most fun, upbeat song on the entire EP. What I like most about “Burning Out”— both the original and respective unplugged rendition– is how effortlessly it proves that pop-esque melodies and song structure work regardless of a song’s original genre.

Though “If I’m There (Unplugged)” is devoid of the grandiose, church-esque elements carried in its percussion and choir harmonies, the song’s same altruistic integrity remains to end the EP back where it started with an unassumingly stripped back and minimal atmosphere.

Something noteworthy in this EP is how it illustrates the way Noah Sebastian has not only grown as a lyricist, but developed a distinct stylistic identity for himself as a vocalist. ‘FGBGFM Unplugged’ skillfully demonstrates how Bad Omens‘ sound has matured in remarkable timing and takes an alternatively somber approach to continuing the album’s dialogue.

Favorite Tracks: “Mercy”, “Burning Out”