Oberhofer @ Lincoln Hall

January 25, 2011 - Chicago, IL

By Rory O'Connor

Oberhofer @ Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL - January 15, 2010 - Photos by Rory O'Connor

Oberhofer, a project formed by Brad Oberhofer - a twenty year old from New York by way of his native Tacoma, Washington - has seen a busy year. Following the release of o0Oo0Oo late last summer, a debut EP recorded by Brad in its entirety in his parents' basement, a proper live collective was formed and touring immediately commenced. Since, they have opened for Bear in Heaven and The Morning Benders among an assortment of other similarly great bands.

Most recently, day four of Chicago's Tomorrow Never Knows festival brought the group to Lincoln Hall as support to headliners Handsome Furs.

Their music is the epitome of unrestrained, youthful pop. Every element thrown into the mix combines to form a concoction that sounds not unlike the mind of a restless teenager strung together into chords and melodies. Brad Oberhofer yelps, whistles and sings with determined, strained vocals throughout his tracks without a hint of uncertainty as the - at times seemingly random - instrumental progressions carry the song to melodic climax. The sudden bursts of noise may appear deceptively haphazard, but dig a little deeper and you'll find that these extra bits are tied together so carefully and intricately that it makes the material more interesting to the ear than if it was simple and unadorned.

That said, there is nothing phony or contrived about the way it ultimately comes together. It's earnest attitude is one of the most satisfying bits. Essentially, it's good shit, so have a listen if you're in the mood for some raucous bedroom pop.

While you're at it, click here to check out the pictures Rory O'Connor snapped of Oberhofer from their aforementioned show at Lincoln Hall in Chicago!