This Oblivians show popped up out of nowhere. After churning out three albums of fuzzed-out, lo-fi garage rock, the Oblivians dissolved in ’98. The trio of Greg Cartwright, Jack Yarber, and Eric Friedl continued to play a few rare reunion shows that culminated in a two-week European tour with the Detroit-based legendary garage-rockers the Gories in 2009. It was during this tour that the band started talking about putting out a new album. In the fall, that album will finally come out on In the Red, a label whose status comes from finding noncommercial artist-musicians who gain popularity without selling out their values. The band originally booked the show at the Hi-Tone to practice their new songs on a local audience of family and friends, but word spread quickly.
The Oblivians’ sound has always derived from the dynamism of the individual players: Cartwright’s rockabilly and blues influence accentuated by his vocal’s natural shake, Friedl’s punk driving force, and Yarber’s sense of humor coupled with his love of rock-and-roll. Each member contributes a unique songwriting style to the band’s repertoire. During their shows, the three often rotate positions between the two guitars and the drum set as the songs shift writers.
Minimal punk rockers Sharp Balloons will be opening the Monday, July 30th, show at the Hi-Tone. Rumor has it there will also be a “special guest.” The show starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $10. — Elizabeth Cooper
