80 MUSIC
Omniabsence: QEH’s stellar band
Ever since the dawn of rock and popular music, since the Beatles first burst onto the scene and Led Zeppelin reigned supreme in the world of rock, the big question has always been: what makes a truly popular beat combo?
Is it raw musicianship? Devilishly handsome looks? Or charisma? Or memorable off stage antics? It is fair to say that QEH’s very own Omniabsence, featuring Sixth Formers Edward Wren, George Fletcher, Jack O’Dea and Chris Spear, doesn’t lack any of these fundamental credentials.
Some may say that because Omniabsence members hail from the affluent, leafy suburbs of Stoke Bishop, the band may lack street credibility and sheer cool; these people had obviously never heard such hits as ‘Past Discord’ or experienced one of the ‘Omni’ live shows with its intelligent fusion of rock, jazz and metal.
In 2010 ‘Omni’ entered the prestigious competition Live and Unsigned, a nationwide search for quality unsigned musical talent, with a live final at the O2 Arena in London, with judge appearances from the likes of Annie Nightingale, Noddy Holder and Ras Kwame (‘The most influential Urban DJ in the UK’ no less).
The first round brought Omniabsence to Cardiff’s famous Coal Exchange with a thirty second slot to show the judges who they were. After two hours of waiting, ‘Omni’ were finally called up to play.
No rock and roll venture would be complete without any minor technical difficulties, so Edward’s keyboards refused to function properly until the last five seconds; however, the performance was still strong enough to take the band through to the next stage of the competition.
Two months on, after various publicity spots such as Bristol Community Radio and Rolling Stone Magazine, and on the day of Edward’s birthday, ‘Omni’ headed for Cardiff’s famous Coal Exchange venue yet again for the next round - this time for a full three minute performance to a capacity crowd. Nerves ran high but were somewhat calmed by five true rock star lads ‘Synthetica’ from Llandrindod Wells, Wales, each with a pint in hand.
The competition was mixed, with some extremely strong artists, however the crowd seemed still to be booing and heckling the last band when ‘Omni’ took to the stage. I jest of course. Yet another technical problem was experienced with the snare drum jamming for the first 10 seconds, alas; after the passionate performance of ‘The Reflex Arc’ combined with Stevie Wonder’s classic ‘Superstition’, ‘Omni’ headed backstage to be greeted with a hoard of compliments from the now slightly intoxicated ‘Synthetica’.
So the time for results came, the tension no less extreme than during the results from The X-Factor, as the Dermot O’Leary of Live and Unsigned proceeded to read the acts through to the area finals in London: ‘The first act to go through is... Omniabsence!’ The crowd and band cheered intently as ‘Omni’ made their way onto the stage for the remaining acts to be called up. Shortly afterwards, the band was directed to the exclusive winners’ lounge for photos and the chore of forms to fill in for the next round. Even in the world of rock, such formalities have to take place!
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