Oval Opus
Oval Opus
ON-Entertainment/Bikiniwax Productions

When I first stumbled onto Oval Opus a few years back, I thought they were a Cleveland band. It was an easy mistake to make: they had been here in town 3 or 4 times in a month, materializing out of nowhere, and gigging their well-rehearsed pop-rock sensibilities like gangbusters. Some investigation revealed the band emerged from a house party on Miami’s campus in Oxford, that the band actually calls Cincinnati home and that they’re one of the most hard-working and successful independent touring acts in the state.

Charming and disarmingly honest songcraft rooted in classic rock, Aaron Patrick (vocals), Josh Edmondson (guitar), Pat "Trick" Martin (bass) and Brian Kelley (drums) do have a penchant for college rock derivation. Just the same, they are a hot live act that has shared the stage with everyone from Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, to Sister Hazel, Guster and O.A.R. and they’ve had success on their own terms (similar to Columbus power trio Watershed) as well.

Their fourth, self-titled studio CD showcases what road tutelage (and a little old fashioned production and engineering experience) can do for a band. Produced by studio vet Erwin Musper (David Bowie, Van Halen, Elton John), Oval Opus features songwriting collaborations with smart pop craftsfolk like Jill Cunniff of Luscious Jackson, Danny Kortchmar (known for work with James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Don Henley), and Sam Hollander and Dave Schomer (who have collaborated with Carole King) Talk about a hit parade. Reminds me of when Jim Steinman ponied up for Watershed.

As a result, Oval Opus has that glossy, party and radio-ready energy—deliciously clean pop hooks, soulful vocals and appealing (if not simplistic) lyrics. Modern rock sensibilities buoy tracks like “Stay Young” and “Anchorman,” both of which recall one-time Cleveland scenesters The Simpletons, with an upbeat 80s edge. Soulful vocal harmonies found in “First Kids Names,” “Sunday Papers” and “Anywhere but Here” have a bit more of that mid-90s roots rock (think Hootie) hook thing going. And yes, a couple of these tunes seem like they belong in a teen television drama like “The O.C.” or something; certainly the loungy “Sweet Girl” does. And yet, somehow, it comes off as heartfelt.

Some might say cheesy, but I like ‘em. File Under: “Guilty Pleasure.”

Oval Opus plays the Outpost in Kent this Friday, February 16. For more information, visit Oval Opus at http://www.ovalopus.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
(:divend:)