Oh Oh Oh – Shiv Hurrah Oh Oh Oh – Shiv Hurrah (Free Download)
I can’t forget how many times I have had dreams about all of my teeth falling out, but Shiv Hurrah, sure does know how to put it into perspective. The band, which is currently unsigned, is Brooklyn-based with a knack for folksy sounds and sympathetic harmonies. Their self-titled release has uncanny, hopelessly romantic songs with nostalgic lyrics. Each track reminded me of being fifteen years-old and lying in my bed, just staring up at the ceiling daydreaming. Lead singer, David Bechle, has a way of doing that throughout each of the tracks.
The intimacy of their tracks makes their music seem so much more direct as if the band is singing to me specifically. The five-track EP’s production is quite rough and vocals are mixed-down. Although the EP does have unfinished qualities, it does show potential for a much more finished and longer album to come. The band, which is comprised of five members, was originally a band from the early ‘00s that added a fifth member, re-locating from Rochester, NY to Brooklyn, NY.
Oh Oh Oh is a really great track on the album, which emphasizes the lyrics, “I never get homesick/I just get sick of my home.” The background harmonies make the song innately beautiful. Melancholy nostalgia seems to be a constant theme in the band’s EP, which has lovelorn lyrics mixed with occasional upbeat folk melodies, often reminiscent of The Morning Benders with the undertones of Jeff Tweedy.
“I’ve been out of touch and thinking too much of the old days/It went straight to my head I’m surprised we’re not dead.”
The lyrics seem like a stream of consciousness that is occurring over and over again in someone’s head. The song has spellbinding powers. The song sounds like it could have been a reoccurring song on The Wonder Years.
All My Teeth Fell Out is a catchy and romantic tune. “But I had a dream that all my teeth fell out as I was just about to speak and tell you that I loved you, dear.” The song definitely sounds like it’s from a different era-in a good way. Heart of Lead definitely has the same sound quality and beauty that only a Morning Benders’ song would have. The song is on the verge pleading, but is sung so beautifully and acoustically, by Bechle. Really Not Real is an idealistic song that Bechle sings longingly. He poetically yearns, “Be with me now and forever/attached at the waist by a tether.” The song is incredibly mellow and is peaceful enough to induce tranquil dreams.
With some more producing and mixing, Shiv Hurrah is definitely going to blow up by 2011. Their music is absolutely beautiful and is creatively donned with lyrics that are quite outside of the box. Shiv Hurrah gave me shivers down my spine as I was lying in my bed, staring at the ceiling remembering my time as a fifteen year-old- and that was a good thing. I give it an 8.7.
