Om - God Is Good - Preview / Review

There is always a bit of a panic when a band loses some of its members but no fear here,Om are back and they maybe are even more focused than ever before if the music on this is anything to go by.The music on here still sounds like Om but the tracks seemed more concise than anything else they have ever done.Don't get me wrong,i dig all of Om release's so far,this one they have seemed to take their music to its ultimate peak.There is still Cisneros weird lyrical approach but the music seems fresher with the band playing with a new sense of purpose( if that make sense?)."Thebes" is the most normal of the bunch despite its 19 minute running time,the most traditional as far as OM's music goes anyway.The rest of the album contains 3 tracks of a more normal running length but its where the band sounds a little different at times compared to their earlier works.This is largely due to new drummer Emil Amos who creates a new feeling to the overall sound of the band.While the classic bass lines are still there,the drumming has taken a more jazzier approach."Cremation Ghat I" is the shortest track on the album which is a pity because its one of the best,a middle eastern flavored track but a bit more up-tempo compared to the average Om track."Cremation Ghat II" sees the band return to the sound we expect from Om,more ambient but once again i wish the track was longer.It feels like its been cut short without getting a chance for the song to run its natural course.Om have always had a spiritual/meditation feeling to their songs and this album its no exception.The band are stretching out musically on this one but how does it rate against other Om album's.Well like all Om's releases it takes a few listens before you can truly judge but at this stage i am rating it as the second best thing they have put out.I have the first two albums tied for first on that one.Om fans though should like this a lot but its not likely to win over folks not into Om.The weak point of the album is the last two tracks that should have been much longer,because of this the album seems top heavy but what do i know.You will have to check it out and judge for yourself. 8/10