Comprising six tracks, the omniboi – Panorama EP sees the Arizona-born, Los Angeles-based producer on fine form, combining his overarching anti-pop tendencies with funky Electro beats and progressive, jazz-flecked melodies. The EP and its singles follow the release of the standalone single Pull-Up(s) earlier in 2023, and the 20-track album Gleam Dream which came out last year, and although omniboi has been active since 2005 – playing in bands and experimenting with FL Studio before becoming well-known as a Soundcloud artist in the 2010s – it’s been a treat to see so many high-quality releases from him in recent years.
The six tracks on the Panorama EP are Set Apart, Omni-Vision, Ghost Town, USA, Zoom Out, Cagecraft, and Marathon, all of which are notable for their upbeat, Chiptune-inspired feel that keeps the energy flowing freely throughout its 20-minute duration. One of the few tracks that slows down the pace even slightly is midway point Ghost Town, USA, the lyrics of which benefit from a slightly slower delivery and which are in turn backed by bold, crunchy snares and surreal video game sound effects. It’s still pretty quirky and erratic though, even by omniboi’s standards, featuring zippy, high-pitched synth lines later in the track and wryly observational lyrics throughout; “but now I’m back in Phoenix and the city’s so big / but somehow I’ll still run into my ex” the artist tells us.
Other highlights include opener Set Apart, a funky, liberating foot-tapper featuring the vocal talents of Dona, and Omni-Vision, which features Atlanta artpop ambassador nelward and a magnificent tempo change towards the end.
Overall there is very little that is conventional about the omniboi – Panorama EP, from its unexpected progressive harmonies to its ironic lyrics and buzzy, fizzling synths that make you feel like you’re hanging on for dear life in a self-driving high-speed sports car while it jets round a Mario Kart circuit. Prepare yourself for a wild, giddy but ultimately hugely enjoyable ride.
Stream the EP below and make sure to follow omniboi on Instagram, Twitter and Twitch!
