OH NO NOT STEREO “003″
I don’t know who is bankrolling OH NO NOT STEREO, but there are some heavy hitters on board backing this two-piece rock band. With a new self-released full-length produced in part by Jim Wirt, mixed by Neal Avron (New Found Glory, Yellowcard), and masted by Ted Jensen, I have to imagine there’s more than just a band-propelled push to have these guys earn some widespread commercial attention.
Musically, it’s hard not hard to figure out why OH NO NOT STEREO deserve the attention. Although only a duo in principal, the group employs a variety of studio musicians to round out their infectious, pop-rock/punk sound. The group treads along the lines of the ALL AMERICAN REJECTS, but with a louder, arena-rock edge. SUGARCULT isn’t a distant comparison either, and a little of bit of image retooling could plant these guys convincingly into the glam era of the late 80s, early 90s. Hooky choruses, syrupy thick guitars, and a mashing of other instruments (piano, B3 organ, etc.) have these guys roaring with a traditional fits-fine-on-radio sound. Like the chemical residue taste sometimes left by putting one too many packets of Splenda into one’s coffee, OH NO NOT STEREO flirt with being artificially too sweet. The shouted/screamed chorus in “Shot Down By The Man” is woefully contrived – a rebellion-tinged rock anthem with the might of a three-legged possum. “Say Anything” and “Something New” are fundamentally charming – a trait the band exploits well when measured with some restraint. With lyrics that stay simple and to the point, words roll decisively from the mouth of Sky Nielsen. Efficiency and repetitive re-enforcement rank higher than clever word-play, and I don’t think anyone would expect anything else in a release like this.
At 15 songs, OH NO NOT STEREO wrestle with bloat – trim that number down five songs, and you’ve got a full-length with a majority of tunes screaming with singles potential.
Self-Released
