Concert Preview: O’Brother

O’Brother
Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104
Sunday, March 4, 8:30 PM

After being together for more than 14 years, O’Brother just dropped their first full album last November.  The band will bring the hard-rock sounds of this album, Garden Window, to San Diego on March 4  at the Soda Bar.

If past performances are any indicator, their live show should be as eclectic as the new album.  On “Poison!” singer/guitarist Tanner Merritt transitions easily from a deep howl over distorted guitars to an ambient crooning over a bass played by a violin bow.  Songs such as “Malum” are reminiscent of an edgier Radiohead mixed with Explosions In The Sky.

But the most bizarre part of this band is that they take two seemingly opposite styles—metal and ambience—and make them work.

Part of the reason for this could be the production help of Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and Robert McDowell. Part could also be the broad range of seasoned veterans with whom they have toured, including Thrice, Cage The Elephant, and The Dear Hunter.  But the main reason for their success is the individual members’ array of influences.

In an interview with The Pitch, Merritt said, “I think bridging between kind of naturally happens because everyone in the band has slightly different musical tastes. It’s pretty broad.  But we try not to make it confusing and try to have a happy medium.”

Garden Window has opened to rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal, CBS Radio, and Alternative Press.

Merritt said that they are very excited by the success of the tour.  “It’s really awesome to see kids coming out to all these shows for us. Just singing along and saying that they really love the new album, that they were waiting on it.”