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Is there anything harder these days than an artist trying to stand out in an overly crowded indie pop scene? Probably not, especially since the sheer number of releases arriving each week has altered expectations. No longer does anyone have to be making music that’s groundbreaking or even remotely original, it just has to be good. For most that’s a whole lot easier said than done, but on the Between The Devil And The Sea EP Oh No! Oh My! (formerly known as the Jolly Rogers) make the process look effortless.
In fact, from the moment the disc starts with the charming and slightly humorous “Oh Be One,” it’s clear that there isn’t going to be anything that hasn’t been done before. Still, the band reels you in with crafty songwriting that puts a smile on your face and makes you eager to stay in their energetic world. In particular, standout track, “The Party Punch,” does the best job of showcasing the local quartet’s knack for taking the standard and turning them into upbeat gems by filling your ears with a foot stomping beat, hand claps and various other catchy details. Even the lyrics jump at you with some pep, as shown by the line: “Only punches below the neck/Not the pretty face.”
There are a couple of moments where the band’s penchant for the upbeat takes a back seat for something a bit mellower. “A Pirate’s Anthem,” which closes out the EP, is void of anything that will make you want to jump out of your chair and sing, but it does have a lovely arrangement that lies beneath the spirited vocals of Greg Barkley. That’s right, spirited. Despite the overall calm sound the band still manages to push out enough energy to inspire a multitude of repeat listens. It’s just what they do.
Not only is Between The Devil And The Sea a quintessential indie pop album, but it’s by far one of the most endearing releases of the summer, if not 2007. It’s just too bad that there are only six gems to drool over until the inevitable arrival of another full length.
Websites:
www.ohnoohmy.com
Myspace
