Simplicity is a beautiful thing. As we all know (because our dads keep telling us about it) punk relished on the idea of simplicity, and what a lasting affect it had on the landscape of popular music today. It is something that can be so undervalued by some but, as the saying goes, effective. Londoners Omi Palone are another band in this long line of outfits who bask in the glory of keeping it uncomplicated.

Finding strength in brevity the boys (Philip Serfaty, Simon Marsham, Liam O’Neill and Jack Gillis) explore and experiment what can be done in three minute post-punk musings, enhancing controlled melodies in amongst simple rhythmic structures.

Having nullified two previous recording sessions at two venues two years ago, the band finally found their home in Homerton’s Sound Savers – honing their sound and laying down their record under the watchful eye of Mark Jasper. With a sound that nods to 80s Kiwi labels Flying Nun and Xpressway, some of the current Aussie punk scene and a lethargic Dinosaur Jr., Omi Palone have concocted a recipe that proves themselves punk/grunge stalwarts. The noise produced is rich, controlled, sepia toned and although some may argue it lacks diversity, the absence of a spectrum of nuances gives more weight to the precisely sculptured shape of the self titled debut.

Kick starting the record is “The World Outside” – a rather sleepy affair that initially exhibits the honey coated baritone of singer Serfaty’s vocals and the song construction of fragile melodies laced with droning, fuzzed rhythms that is consistent throughout the LP; a concoction that served the proto-grunge kids of the 80s and 90s undeniably well. Second track “Architecture” again doffs its hat to the likes of Dinosaur Jr, with an opening that has unquestionable sonic similarities to their American ancestors. The song offers a stark highlight on the record: fuzzed guitar drones interspersed with clean, tangled melodies and Serfaty’s lulling vocal chords. “I get down waiting for you on the edge of town/and when you don’t come around I dig my heels into the ground /No I’m sat in the kitchen fixed on the horizon over gastro buildings/ You don’t know what you’re missing” purrs the guitarist and singer.

“On and On” and “Void” offer more droning surfer rock hued grunge, whilst lead track “Shallow Divide” illustrates the outfit’s ability to construct more raucous outings, whist keeping their hypnotic capabilities alive via the signature baritone voice. Finishing the record is “Sleepwalk”, a track that does not stray far from the three minute punk formula adopted throughout.

Omi Palone’s sound is infections. The drones and textures of the record weaves itself into the very fabric of your memory – the only questionable aspect is if they keep it all a little too safe. I respect a band who know exactly who they are and what they sound like, but on repeated listens tracks begin to merge into a single body. “Architect” holds position as the album’s most enjoyable moment, but the rest seem to all stay on an even playing field – something that may invite calls of boredom. However, for others – myself included – it’ll be an extremely enjoyable listen.