Oh No Oh My

People Problems (Koenig)

Four years between LPs can be a lifetime in today’s indie cycle. Since launching behind the twee-twinged pop of their eponymous 2006 debut, Oh No Oh My has teased out a couple EPs, but their proper follow-up exposes some of the dangers of letting an album gestate too long. Though tighter from extensive touring, much of the force that the local quartet developed live is lost in the recording. “Walking Into Me” and “You Were Right” pose promise at the album’s outset with mellow pop rhythms that still surge, and the arrangements are intricately employed throughout, especially the subtle strings of “So I Took You” and “Brains.” But the vocals long to break out of their high-flitting preciousness, and despite the polish of the production, the album as a whole seems unable to wrangle its various impulses, revealing ONOM trying to move beyond the dated charm of their debut but not quite sure where to go.

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This article appears in December 24 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.