Kevin Bronson on July 14th, 2014

0

Few bands in these parts can execute the stylistic range of Hi Ho Silver Oh, the ensemble built around the quartet of guitarist Casey Trela, bassist Kevin Manwarren, guitarist Roxy Radulescu and drummer Chris Dunn. One song they are flannel-friendly folkies and next they are sonic contortionists, stretching around all manner of rhythms while maintaining the pristine gang vocals that are their calling card. In their new single “What I Am Doing,” they are all of the above, with some wonky synth thrown in at the beginning, ostensibly just to see if we’re paying attention. Riding those harmonies and additional vocals from Leslie Stevens, Brittney Westover, Jillinda Plamer and Jon Mackey, the song (the first from a forthcoming EP) accelerates into an almost-funky, decidedly jazzy web of intrigue, exuberance and horns – the latter courtesy of the Franklinton High School Jazz Ensemble, arranged by Derek Southerland. And all in 2 1/2 minutes. Our advice: Do not try this at home. Leave it to the professionals.

||| Stream: “What I Am Doing”

||| Live: Hi Ho Silver Oh is doing the Monday night residency at the Bootleg, tonight supported by the Rebel Light, Charlene Yi and Michael Vidal.

||| Previously: “My Confessor”