Thee Oh Sees are no doubt the lightest of his excursions, but in contrast to the rest of his resume one could surmise that there are significant reasons for the change.
Thee Oh Sees have a lo-fi electric-acoustic sound that's usually soaked in reverb, making it as if you can hear and see the exact room they recorded in. It creates a very distinct mood that seems to fit their style, lyrics, and melodies.
What most people focus on is that Mr. Dwyer is in the band. While it's certainly a notable quality, the recent band members bring so much more to the table. The earliest recordings are Dwyer's solo recordings, mostly single instrument/vocal ditties that you can hear him working out. They're an intimate portrait of John, but without the recent material, the portrait would simply be incomplete.
Thee Oh Sees don't subscribe to any one style.
With the addition of Brigid Dawson, Petey Dammit, and a rotating cast of drummers, the sound has grown into the landscape that one man couldn't create alone. Brigid's soprano voice brings an almost hauntingly sensitive aspect to the lyrics and melodies, while Petey and Mike's pounding and insistent backline (and additional drums from Lars Finberg of The Intelligence on recent recordings) complete the frame in its entirety. Their energetic, sweat-laden shows coupled with their prolific recording schedule has garnered them a growing, dedicated fan base.
The catalog that this band has put together is growing and growing, albeit under several different monikers, and several different labels.
in 2017 it was announced that the band would change its name to simply 'Oh Sees'
in November of 2019, the band announced that they would be changing their name yet again to simply 'Osees'
Block of Ice Live
Thee Oh Sees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just want to lay on this block of ice
I am one you are two we are three
What for? my connection is your connection,
The sun is shining I see your face
Turning it over I see the clover
The things that I love dear are taking shape.
The lyrics to Thee Oh Sees' "Block of Ice" appear to convey a sense of vulnerability and desire for stability. The line "I don't want to be destroyed" suggests a fear of harm or destruction, while the desire to "lay on this block of ice" could represent a desire for something solid and dependable.
The references to numbers - "I am one, you are two, we are three" - could represent different individuals coming together to form a whole. The line "my connection is your connection" reinforces this idea of interdependence and shared experience.
The mention of the sun shining and seeing the other person's face suggests a sense of happiness or comfort in their presence. Turning over to see the clover could symbolize a sense of appreciation for the beauty and abundance of nature.
Overall, the lyrics to "Block of Ice" seem to convey a desire for safety and stability in a world that can be unpredictable and chaotic.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to be destroyed
I have no desire to be emotionally or physically hurt in any way.
I just want to lay on this block of ice
I desire to lay down and relax for a while, like resting on a block of ice.
I am one you are two we are three
Individually, we are one person but together, we form a team and become three.
What for? my connection is your connection,
What is the purpose of our separation when our connection is the same?
The sun is shining I see your face
The sun is bright, and I can see your face clearly.
Turning it over I see the clover
When I flip over, I can see the clover.
The things that I love dear are taking shape.
The things that are dear to me are becoming more apparent and understandable.
Contributed by Matthew O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.