After a long series of navigating through various clicks and listens of Spotify (one of the greatest ways to discover music in my opinion) I found The Oh Hello’s. The name of the duo explains it all, because after a minute of hearing such fresh sounds, you will find yourself saying something along the lines of, “Oh, hello, beautiful music.”
Being a person who over the years has spent large amounts of time searching for hidden musical treasures (independent and non-mainstream music – especially in the folk genre), I am pleased to say that stumbling upon The Oh Hello’s was probably one of the best discoveries yet.
The Oh Hello’s can be easily compared to bands like Shovels and Rope, Milo Green, Of Monsters and Men or The Lumineers. Fans of these bands, or really just anyone with an appreciation for beautiful music, will fall instantly in love with The Oh Hello’s. Along with the typical band instruments, The Oh Hello’s incorporate accordion, cello, banjo and viola into their songs, giving them an immediate whimsical, eclectic and feel-good sound.
Native to San Marcos, Texas, siblings Maggie and Tyler Heath (with the help of some friends) are the masterminds behind the music. Made clear on their website, they are a band that intends to remain truly authentic by stating they are “intentionally independently self-produced.”
After a 2011 EP, The Oh Hello’s released their first album “Through the Deep, Dark Valley” at the end of October in 2012. Unlike most modern musicians who focus on marketing songs individually in a music industry powered by singles, The Oh Hello’s have labeled the album as a “self-contained concept album,” which is intended for listeners to hear “in chronological order, in one sitting.” How refreshing to be reminded there are musicians who still have the guts to take pride in marketing an album in its entirety. In today’s single-download music society, to many, they may as well be committing musical suicide.
Sure enough, the eleven-track album takes the listener on a journey. Opening with the track “The Valley,” which speaks of birth, the album doubles as a story of life progression. With many ambiguous references to God, faith and the meaning of life, the album has the power to softly pull at listener’s heartstrings by addressing the reality of life’s pain and struggles but presenting them in a hopeful way – whether you’re religious or not. Lyrically, every song is genius.
If you’re ready for some beautiful music that is spilling over with life and zealousness, that is enjoyable but has the capability to dig deep enough to convict or give hope, give them a listen.
