The lyrically potent songs on the album are politically charged. Unlike a lot of The Oddyssea’s jamband peers, this band is not just about self indulgent guitar solos. Within many songs lies an urge to get the younger generation to stand up against the powers that be. In “Loco Lion”, the band sings, “Let peace come again/ Roar like a mighty loco lion.” It is surprising how few bands write about the fact that America is still at war in Iraq. America has lost more soldiers since the war “ended.” It is a great thing that there are still musicians who sing about peace and try to make people aware of the world at large.

The vocals are somewhat dark, and the sampling in songs like “Vaughn Washington Lake” is slightly overdone. “Reggie’s Lullabye” is also an interesting jam, but it may not merit an entire track on the album. However, these are only minor hindrances on the albums overall impact.

A change in sound and lyrics comes after track seven. The first half is politically charged, while, with the exception of “Nameless Faceless,” the second half is lighthearted and personal. In “It’s Approaching” the band sings, “These kings are not fit for their crowns.” This is a direct critique on our government, and it is welcome when most musicians try to stay out of politics. The Oddyssea also writes about the world of fear in which people live in the song “Elephants and Donkeys.” The song urges, “Why don’t you all rise up.” This is the exact kind of music the jamband generation needs to avoid becoming caricatures of a former generation.

Walk the Plank is a musical journey, and one well worth taking. It places meaning behind the jams, and it will perhaps encourage listeners to rise up against the multitude of wrongs in the world today.