NEW YORK, NY—Performing a short set at Webster Hall in support of Maximo Park, the California based The Oohlas! arrived in NYC to showcase selections off their Stolen Transmission debut, Best Stop Pop, which hit shelves in September of 2006. Consisting of former Everclear percussionist Greg Eklund (guitar), brother Mark Eklund (bass), and angelic songstress Ollie Stone (guitar/vox), the group warmed things up on 11th St. with a few stiff drinks at the bar to steady the ship before strutting onstage.
With a spark of perkiness the ensemble laid pop hooks over simplistic rhythms to expel a resonance of catchy euphoria. Stone was sporting a dress as her voice towered over the Eklunds’ basic phrasings. A small following stomped in unison, as Island Records subsidiary CEOs looked on from the behind the glow of the bar.
The Manhattan tour stop was the second date on the band’s summer leg, which hit the Greater North on the both sides of the border and then south through California last month. In addition to the road work the band has also been featured on the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack, which includes contributions from Snow Patrol, The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolfmother, Jet, and The Flaming Lips.
The set itself included “Small Parts,” “Gone” and “Tripped.” Concluding at close to a half hour the band’s onstage charisma was radiating. Ollie Stone was the focal point of attention with her onstage presence commanding the eye. She playfully joked with both Eklund brothers as they continuously thanked the crowd. The artists were in fine spirits and transferred the energy to the onlooking audience.
The venue began to flood with people as Brit-pop act Maximo Park walked into the spotlight. They were impressive and earned honorable mention.
