Out There in the Dark

Del-Fi 2000

Unlike Brian Jonestown Massacre, who wallow in their retro '60s lo-fi sound only to make the point that they're hipper than you, OC simply finds the lo-fi stylings to be the right fit for their music. Reviewers are endlessly comparing them to whomever they love (or remember) from the '60s (Beach Boys? The Byrds? The Electric Prunes? The British Invasion? I don't thinks so.) The only thing they have in common with those bands is the echo-filled, feedback-laden, low-fi recording style. Those thrilling bands of yesteryear didn't have much choice in the matter, instantly making OC's retro style a statement of devotion rather than necessity. In fact, they probably have more in common chops-wise with Material Issue, The Las or The Smithereens, bands they'd resemble even closer if they dropped the retro costuming. Like Guided by Voices, another outfit that started out loving lo-fi, I think they're as modern as anything on your FM dial these days, especially Larry Ray's guitar solos, which have more in common with 1990s Seattle than 1960s California. The lyrics, on the other hand, don't show a '90s sophistication, but who wants '90s sophistication, anyway? Standouts: "Togetherness" with its glowing chorus, and "Tracy," which opens with an "I Melt With You" guitar lick before   picking up a Material Issue sneer. I found myself wandering toward the end, especially during the 11:33-long jam closer.

back toPublished in The Reader Dec. 30, 1999. Copyright © 1999 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Rating: Yes