The most striking and consistent aspect of Oneida's music is their use of and fascination with repetition. Their 2002 LP, Each One Teach One, for instance, begins with two especially long tracks, Sheets of Easter and Antibiotics, the former over fourteen minutes long, the latter more than sixteen. Both of these songs are composed of one repeated riff (with a few short interludes on Antibiotics). In addition to the use of repetition Oneida's music can be distinguished by the bandmember's extensive use of and enthusiasm for antique keyboards and analog electric pianos.
Originally recording on Turnbuckle Records (their first two albums in 1997 and 1999), the band now runs Brah Records, an imprint of Jagjaguwar (Jagjaguwar group at Last.fm). In September 2007 the group celebrated 10 years of existence with a concert at the P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in NYC.
The current lineup is:
* Kid Millions - drums, vocals participated as drummer 53 in the Boredoms 77 Boadrum performance which occurred on July 7th, 2007 at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, New York
* Bobby Matador - organ, guitar, vocals
* Hanoi Jane - guitar, bass
* Double Rainbow (aka Phil Manley of Trans Am and The Fucking Champs) - guitar
* Shahin Motia (of Ex Models) - guitar
Papa Crazy (aka PCRZ) of Oakley Hall is a former member of Oneida, and has revived connections with Oneida by recording OH's most recent album Gypsum Strings on Oneida's Brah Records label.
http://www.enemyhogs.com/site/
http://www.myspace.com/oneidarocks
Distress
Oneida Lyrics
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Frail, smiling solace of an hour
So soon our transient comforts fly
And pleasure only blooms to die.
The lyrics of Oneida's "Distress" are a melancholic reflection on the fleeting nature of joy and comfort in life. The opening line, "So fades the lovely blooming flower," alludes to the transitory beauty of nature, likening it to the ephemeral moments of happiness and contentment that we experience in life. These moments, like a flower in full bloom, are fragile and short-lived, providing solace for only a brief period of time.
The next line, "Frail, smiling solace of an hour," furthers this sentiment, emphasizing the fragility of happiness and the brevity of its existence. The following line, "So soon our transient comforts fly," speaks to the suddenness with which happiness can be taken away from us, leaving us in a state of distress and uncertainty. The final line, "And pleasure only blooms to die," is a poignant reminder that all good things must come to an end, emphasizing the inevitable impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of joy.
Overall, the lyrics of "Distress" are a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the moments of happiness and comfort that we are able to experience.
Line by Line Meaning
So fades the lovely blooming flower
The beauty of the flower dwindles and eventually disappears
Frail, smiling solace of an hour
The flower is delicate and provides temporary comfort with its appearance
So soon our transient comforts fly
Our temporary sources of comfort disappear quickly
And pleasure only blooms to die.
Even the things that bring us joy and happiness are temporary and fleeting, destined to fade away like the flower.
Contributed by Declan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.