Words By: Bre Offenberger

John Dwyer, the brains behind the psychedelic punk machine OSEES, has dropped the video for “Stinking Cloud” from Levitation Sessions, marking the first-ever live performance of the track. The release alongside Dwyer’s announcement that he’s putting up two NFTS (non-fungible tokens) for auction to draw hype for the upcoming Levitation Sessions II.

The video finds Dwyer and company in a dimly lit warehouse, standing quietly but radiating with infectious energy. His voice protrudes more in the live version, showcasing an extra taste of effervescence that’s been missing from the track for all the 10 years it’s been out. Between verses, Dwyer heads over to the keys and excitedly performs his three-finger tap, igniting a series of electrical shocks that’ll not only excite but galvanize listeners into action. The bandmates, evident even through their masks, exhibit a contentment of just being able to perform again. The performance ends with a crash of drums and keys — and the satisfaction of knowing they put on a stellar show.

The auction — which will be open for 24 hours beginning at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 3 on LEVITATION’s foundation page — features two pieces of artwork. The first, which is an enhanced version of Dwyer’s painting “Vol 4,” is placed in a mesmerized loop (aka the Droste effect) and actually soundtracked by the live performance of “Stinking Cloud.” The second is Dwyer’s “The Text,” shimmers back and forth with the lenticular effect and is soundtracked by “Opposition,” also from the show. “The Text” is being released in a set of 13 while “Vol 4” is a 1/1 NFT.

Levitation Sessions II is set to premiere on April 10. All proceeds from that and the forthcoming live album will be donated to five Los Angeles charities that focus on decreasing homelessness and food insecurity: Elizabeth House, East LA Women’s Center, St Francis Center, Downtown Women’s Center and Hollywood Food Coalition.

OSEES — and Dwyer, specifically — haven’t experienced a dull pandemic in the slightest. They’ve continued to release new projects regularly while Dwyer has launched prints and merchandise of his full-size projects. OSEES changed their name for the sixth time last year, but they’ve maintained the same spirit they embodied when they were known as Orinoka Crash Suite upon their genesis in 1997. Since the band is releasing more and more during a dull year and has yet to miss, be sure to look out for more worthwhile content from them.