Oval Opus self-titled EP lively even without beer goggles
Elizabeth Tabak
Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: ae
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When I heard that my Jambar mailbox contained a copy of Oval Opus' new, self-titled EP I was, for lack of any better expression, pretty damned excited.
After all, this is the Cincinnati-based band that I stumbled upon (literally) twice while going to see my Pittsburgh favorites, The Clarks.
This is the same band that my friends and I drunk-girl danced to after downing Jager bombs to toast a 21st birthday. The same band whose bassist my two best friends and I posed with while he donned his electric blue "I rock Catholic girls" T-shirt.
Then it struck me that maybe I shouldn't be so excited.
Beer goggles can apply to more than just that hideous beast across the bar that seems they could be the love of your life after countless Bud Lights and Jager-bombs. I was running the risk that the music was just good because, well, the drinks were flowing.
Needless to say, I was relieved after one listen through proved my beer goggle theory entirely wrong.
Oval Opus is comprised of Aaron Patrick, Josh and Dan Edmondson and Patrick "Trick" Martin. They group met at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1997 and have been traveling the east coast and Midwest ever since. The self-titled EP is their fourth overall release, and, according to a press release, the group worked with the production team Pop Rox to create the four-song piece.
Overall, the end result was pretty good.
The music is lively and the tracks each contain an infectious beat - even the ones dealing with broken hearts. It is the perfect background for a night out with friends and can brighten the dullest Northeastern Ohio winter day. The first track, "Settle Down," can easily be played over and over again. "First Kids Names" the last track, is one that will get stuck in your head, but not in that annoying, Britney Spears kind of way.
I won't go so far as to say the lyrics are profound, nor do they cause you to search your soul. (Come on, they worked with a production team named after an explosive, and, according to urban legend, dangerous candy.) Look at "Anchorman," the refrain is "I'm your anchorman, hold you steady in the ocean. Whoa, I'm keeping your feet from the undertow." At least it's easy to memorize so you can sing along at one of their shows.
However, the songs deal with topics anyone can relate. You know, heartbreak, girls, relationships, heartbreak, girls.
The CD is catchy, wholly enjoyable and a very solid piece of work. But I must also admit that, as much as I hate to, I am a slave to radio-ready pop music and the like. It's my guilty pleasure. So, if the Goo-Goo Dolls, Maroon 5 or even the not so well known Pat McGee Band is not your thing, steer clear of this quartet.
However, if they rank among your favorites, then I strongly recommend buying their EP at the first chance you get, and going to see them live at Jillian's in the Southern Park Mall Saturday, March 5.
The live experience is electric, vibrant and should prove to be a great time. The whole band has great stage presence. I promise you won't find your attraction to Oval Opus an alcohol-induced infatuation.
Call Elizabeth Tabak at (330) 941-1991.
After all, this is the Cincinnati-based band that I stumbled upon (literally) twice while going to see my Pittsburgh favorites, The Clarks.
This is the same band that my friends and I drunk-girl danced to after downing Jager bombs to toast a 21st birthday. The same band whose bassist my two best friends and I posed with while he donned his electric blue "I rock Catholic girls" T-shirt.
Then it struck me that maybe I shouldn't be so excited.
Beer goggles can apply to more than just that hideous beast across the bar that seems they could be the love of your life after countless Bud Lights and Jager-bombs. I was running the risk that the music was just good because, well, the drinks were flowing.
Needless to say, I was relieved after one listen through proved my beer goggle theory entirely wrong.
Oval Opus is comprised of Aaron Patrick, Josh and Dan Edmondson and Patrick "Trick" Martin. They group met at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1997 and have been traveling the east coast and Midwest ever since. The self-titled EP is their fourth overall release, and, according to a press release, the group worked with the production team Pop Rox to create the four-song piece.
Overall, the end result was pretty good.
The music is lively and the tracks each contain an infectious beat - even the ones dealing with broken hearts. It is the perfect background for a night out with friends and can brighten the dullest Northeastern Ohio winter day. The first track, "Settle Down," can easily be played over and over again. "First Kids Names" the last track, is one that will get stuck in your head, but not in that annoying, Britney Spears kind of way.
I won't go so far as to say the lyrics are profound, nor do they cause you to search your soul. (Come on, they worked with a production team named after an explosive, and, according to urban legend, dangerous candy.) Look at "Anchorman," the refrain is "I'm your anchorman, hold you steady in the ocean. Whoa, I'm keeping your feet from the undertow." At least it's easy to memorize so you can sing along at one of their shows.
However, the songs deal with topics anyone can relate. You know, heartbreak, girls, relationships, heartbreak, girls.
The CD is catchy, wholly enjoyable and a very solid piece of work. But I must also admit that, as much as I hate to, I am a slave to radio-ready pop music and the like. It's my guilty pleasure. So, if the Goo-Goo Dolls, Maroon 5 or even the not so well known Pat McGee Band is not your thing, steer clear of this quartet.
However, if they rank among your favorites, then I strongly recommend buying their EP at the first chance you get, and going to see them live at Jillian's in the Southern Park Mall Saturday, March 5.
The live experience is electric, vibrant and should prove to be a great time. The whole band has great stage presence. I promise you won't find your attraction to Oval Opus an alcohol-induced infatuation.
Call Elizabeth Tabak at (330) 941-1991.