Osees made an explosive and triumphant return to Tucson, Arizona, melting faces at 191 Toole on Sept. 14 as they brought their fall 2024 tour into town.

After multiple name and lineup changes, the glue that holds it all together is garage psych rock veteran and genius John Dwyer. His never ending talent and creativity is the reason why this project is able to keep pumping out albums year after year. Their last stop in Tucson was in the same venue 8 years. Since then the band has released 11 incredible albums. The newest entry into their expansive discography is SORCS 80 released through Dwyer’s own Castle Face records label. 

With a capacity of roughly 500 people, 191 Toole was the perfect host of this SOLD OUT show. As soon as the music erupted, the performers transformed into otherworldly beings, possessed by intricate rhythms and perfectly timed execution. Nothing stood in between the entranced and controlled chaos that ensued once the two drum kits taking center stage blasted us into percussion realms we never thought possible. Moments like these remind me why live music has forever changed my life. 

With 28 albums under their belt one might expect the setlist to focus on newer songs, but cult followers were rewarded for their years of support with a display of the band’s entire catalog, including fan favorites “The Dream” and “Toe Cutter-Thumb Buster.”

Cymbals crashed, snares exploded, fingers danced across guitar strings, synths added a layer of science fiction epicness, and guttural screams echoed like the war cries of orcs. Ears still ring from the beautiful tones of guitars that seem grateful to be in this band. Blood, sweat, and tears filled the room. Every moment inside the venue was pure bliss and euphoria. From bodies dancing to people crowd surfing one after the other, constant cheering and smiling one could have been convinced we were attending an end of the world party. We would have all faced our creator satisfied and fulfilled.  

How do you summarize an experience like this? You can’t! You just have to hope, wish, and pray that John Dwyer and company will return to a city near you. The memory of attending this show serves as a serotonin boost whenever I choose to relive it.