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Oversat EP "is diverse"
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Mixed Signals is the latest release from the New Jersey band Oversat. The three piece band, Jared Co...Mixed Signals is the latest release from the New Jersey band Oversat. The three piece band, Jared Cooper (guitar/vocals), Jeremiah LongBear (bass/vocals), and King Doug (drums/vocals), has their genre listed as Alternative/Surfwave/Experimental, but the best word to describe their music is '" diverse. There isn't just one umbrella label to fit their music. Each song opens up a different classification for the band, tossing aside any previous designation from the last song.
The six song EP opens with "Stone Harbor," an in-your-face, guitar heavy, frenetically paced song with intermittent chanting styled vocals. It turns upside down at the end with the calming sounds of the sea to close it out. "Mourning Cloak" is next, it's dark, experimental mix featuring a prominent drum line steering the song, with an agitated guitar line at times shredding in the foreground. The song, "In the Other Room," shimmies between two different tempos, while channeling the vibe of classic songs from the sixties.
"No, No, No You're Doing It All Wrong" is another song with a frenetic pace, but this one has a nod towards a punk influence with snarly attitude and screaming vocals. The unusual musical arrangement of "Above the Shower," is restless, with a Middle Eastern dreamy, musical vibe mixed with a booming, sundry saturation of sounds. The EP closes with "For Good," another song with a classic feel mixed with an edgy, alternative shot of adrenaline.
Oversat is already planning on the next release, Summer Saved Me, due anytime now. Music fans can check out their music on their official site as well as their Facebook page. Mixed Signals is available on Bandcamp.
by Kat Coffin (Yahoo! Associated Content)
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Oversat's album "Mixed Signals" is explosive
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If you like alternative music you may have already heard of Oversat. If you are not usually a Punk m...If you like alternative music you may have already heard of Oversat. If you are not usually a Punk music fan then after reading a little bit about Oversat's history, listening to their music, and viewing their pictures you may decide to give them a listen. Oversat's members are Jared Cooper (guitar), Jeremiah Long Bear (bass), King Doug (drums). According to the Indie music group Oversat means "translated" in Norwegian. They even state that they are slightly obsessed with Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. They may have a fascination with Northern Europe but they are surprisingly an American Rock band.
Translated is an interesting name for this group because their music can transcend into many music mediums. But, one constant factor remains the same and that is their music has an appeal that any person who enjoys music can appreciate. Rock music fans will like Oversat because it is different. You cannot peg Oversat into one category of music because their sound is as diverse as its group's band members. The group's various genres of music experimentation over the years demonstrate this.
During the last twelve years Oversat has used surf, rap, hard core rock, and even trip hop in their performances. However, they refer to their music as punk. This is what makes their music so fun. You never know what to expect from them next. Oversat's music puts you in a trance and will bring you to a personal clincher point where you are anticipating the next direction. Finally you will be taken to a new emotion where you have no choice but to be super charged up. Oversat's combined efforts will make you feel like running up and down an aisle, amp you up to take some action, free you to dance on a bed or at the very least wake you up inside.
The album Mixed Signals starts off with "Stone Harbor" it sounds like a Hawaii Five-O song with banging drums and amplified bass. It will remind you of the music you hear on a roller coaster. It would be cool to rock out to this song on Disneyland's Magic Mountain ride. This song is perfect for people who like adrenaline rushes.
The second track "Mourning Cloak" is a mental trip. You will first be put in a trance as the drums open the song then you will once again experience Oversat's energy through this song as they wake you up with vocals. You will be stoked for the rest of the day as the bass player and guitarist has you swaying. The band members will have you draped in a feeling that you are ready to take on the day with an intentional force.
The third track "In the Other Room" is a fun song to dance too. It is also kind of humorous. It’s the story of a male who is infatuated with a person and excited just by their kiss and later they are trying to get this very same person to stay. It is an easy to relate song for anyone who has heart their heart trampled on. It is Mixed Signal's shortest track. But there is a wide range of emotion in this song.
The next track "No, No, No You're Doing It All Wrong" Is a screaming good time for people with pent up anger. Check it out to see what I mean. The fifth track “Above the Shower is” a good change of direction on the album. This song is at a much slower pace than Mixed Signals other high energy songs. Despite the pace of the song it still had the same passion as Overstat's various songs. It is one of my favorite songs on the album. This song showed the depth and versatility that Overstat is capable of. The last song “For Good” starts off slow then ends the album on a high spirited note.
Overall I liked the group's mixed music selections. The group’s strong points are definitely their band’s mastering of their musical instruments and the passion that they use when they play these tools. Most of Oversat's songs left me wanting more. This album is a sample of their potential. Oversat presently has a large underground fan base. I believe that if they continue to add selections that change up their group’s tempo and write more songs on various subjects that they will gain an even larger mainstream fan base. Regardless they are a great group with a lot of talent, enthusiasm, and are equipped to make a major impact in Punk music.
I look forward to hearing more from the group and I believe that their music will be used in more than radio play it will transition into a much larger market like movies and commercials. Keep your eyes open for Hollywood Music Examiner's interview with Overstat in the near future.
Oversat's album titled Mixed Signals was just recently released on May 1, 2011. Their next album Summer Saved Me will be released in the summer of 2011.
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Oversat, Let Me Hear That!
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Every band has its own story, and its theirs to keep forever. Even more, the come-up, the formation,...Every band has its own story, and its theirs to keep forever. Even more, the come-up, the formation, and the personal intentions of each band member contribute to the desire to begin and, more importantly, follow through with the pursuit of music. To push through past the point of rejection, dishonesty, and misfortune is admirable and adds character to any band’s tale. Indiecore band,Oversat, is bringing their story and original eccentricity in sound and style to the great US of A on tour this Summer.
Only in their mid-20’s, Jared Cooper (Guitar/Vocals), Jeremiah LongBear (Bass/Vocals), and KingDoug (Drums) earnestly possess a cherished unconventionality that often goes unseen, unrecognized in the American indie-punk scene. Even though the majority of what they produce is more hardcore than chilled-out, their music still has a faded colonial ambience that can be heard atop all six tracks on their most recent EP, Mixed Signals. But don’t let me tell Oversat’s story, they’re here to reel you in themselves...
Stephanie (Examiner): What are the roots of Oversat, how did everyone come together?
Oversat: We first started as a band in 1999. Our friend, Alka-Jon-Hallik, was lead singer. We played the same instruments. He went to the army and we continued. We released our first by taping over bootlegged A Tribe Called Quest tapes that LongBear stole from a police dumpster.
LongBear: Yeah, we focused on punk and hardcore during that time.
KingDoug: We always keep it 100, so in 2004 we dropped some hip-hop mixtapes. That was when we did “Keep Your Helmet On.”
LongBear: Just to clarify, that was a campaign that we headed up for bike safety. We did a rap PSA for television. It's out there on the web if you look.
Jared: After that we took some time off touring Oversat music to write the 4 albums that we're touring now. We all kept on stage doing side projects while we worked on it.
LongBear: So glad to release the first album! Mixed Signals is a preview of what's to come on the other 3 albums. This summer we'll release the 2nd EP, “Summer Saved Me.” Which has a surfwave vibe (think Wavves, or Panda Bear).
Stephanie (Examiner): For those who haven’t had the opportunity to hear the EP yet, how would you describe the sound?
LongBear: We play whatever the song demands. We don't write lyrics with a certain sound in mind. That means that each song tends to have its own voice. Some of our music is indie, punk, heavier, or ambient. Some of our fans don't like all of our songs, but our hardcore fans get it.
Stephanie (Examiner): What are some musical influences?
King Doug: I grew up on Southern rap and gospel, in high school I became a huge Deftones fan.
LongBear: The first full album I ever had was Yanni: Live At The Acropolis. I've always listened to a lot of NPR.
Jared: 60's Australian rock, surf music, and anything from Very Small Records.
All: We love Gilman St. punk. Bands like Schlong, Spazz, and 625 Thrashcore.
Stephanie (Examiner): Share a little more detail about the US tour; what are some cities you'll be covering and the band’s intentions with travel and music?
LongBear: We're starting out in New York, Boston, and Philly playing a series of house shows to repay favors. There are people here that have supported our efforts and we wanted to do something for them. After that we swing into full tour mode down the East Coast, then across to the California. That will cover May-July. In August we are heading to the homeland, Norway.
Jared: Our intent with the tour is too introduce our fans to songs from our fourth coming 4 album arch. Mixed Signals is album 1 of 4 that were written concurrently over the past 3 years.
If what you just read didn’t amp you up already, take a listen at their recent EP, Mixed Signals, and make sure to mark your calender for when this talented Norwegian trio comes through Los Angeles in June-July (dates unreleased). In the meantime, their story ought to urge you to, “Keep Your Helmet On,” and ears open.
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"Mixed Signals" Live Up To Its Name
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As I typically do, when introduced to a new opportunity or idea, I dive in head-first. No “look befo...As I typically do, when introduced to a new opportunity or idea, I dive in head-first. No “look before you leap” or thoughtful consideration. Get the “Beach” reference, here? So without perusing their Facebook page, reading liner notes, or speaking to any of the musicians, I simply listened and I formed opinions based solely on what I heard. Mixed Signals delivers just that. Oversat’s music is an eclectic mix of a wide variety of styles, techniques and influences. Some are obvious, some not so much. But in any event, interesting and engaging.
Although the sort of music that would have caused me to have night terrors as a child (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc…) it certainly has its own dark, frenetic appeal. These recordings also hold a lot of visual power as images of performances are easily conjured without even the smallest frame of reference. From the fast, hard-driving Stone Harbor (one of my favorite places) to the unexpected twist of In the Other Room, shades of Ozzie and British punk rock are uniquely interwoven throughout. That’s not to say that this band is not original. Even the dark ballad, Above the Shower is completely unlike the first couple of tracks as the percussion takes center stage and electronic effects are introduced. And maybe you, too, will be left wondering if For Good is more tongue-in-cheek that a genuine plea for the girl to come back.
After I listened, I decided to learn and what I read and saw on the web was exactly what I expected to see. So without the influence of photographs, historical reference or factual knowledge, I formed my own, unbiased impression of Oversat, based purely on the music, and it would seem that my impression is absolutely what they are hoping to convey to their audiences. And that is not an easy task for any musician. This band is worthy of your undivided attention. You won’t want to miss a thing.
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Oversat new EP “Mixed Signals” translates transatlantic
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OVERSAT NEW EP “MIXED SIGNALS” TRANSLATES TRANSATLANTIC
Posted by vsaid on May 12, 2011
When Jer...OVERSAT NEW EP “MIXED SIGNALS” TRANSLATES TRANSATLANTIC
Posted by vsaid on May 12, 2011
When Jeremiah LongBear from the band Oversat was younger, he would hang out with his mother while she was working at a hotel by a police station. Stricken with boredom he moseyed on over to a dumpster and noticed it was filled with cassette tapes.
“I pulled my Mom’s wagon up to it and loaded as many boxes as I could before they chased me off. It turned out that the tapes were obvious bootlegs,” LongBear said. “Each box contained 250 A Tribe Called Quest ‘Low End Theory’ tapes and 250 of Tevin Campbell’s first album. We released our first album ‘Phenomenal Enigma’ on those tapes. Incidentally, Phenomenal Enigma is the name of our publishing company.”
LongBear, Jared Cooper and King Doug of Oversat have been in a band together for 12 years now, since their high school days. Their different musical tastes keep them fresh. LongBear loves ambient music and Bach, Jared loves 60’s garage and surf music and King Doug grew up listening to gospel and gangster rap.
They are currently touring along the North East and playing mostly house parties in light of their latest six-track EP “Mixed Signals” which was released on May 1. It is the first of four more EP’s in the making.
“It brings in sounds from all four albums. It’s like a preview of what’s to come,” Jared said.
The band mates couldn’t pick a favorite song from the EP since they consider each track “their children.” “You don’t pick favorite children,” Jared said.
But, they agreed that “In The Other Room” is the fan favorite.
“People are ob-sexx-ed, that is a sexual version of obsessed, with ‘In The Other Room,’ but they are also obsessed with a song that is on the next album called ‘I Wanna Go,’” Jared said.
Jared said the most time consuming song to make was “For Good.” “It had an unconventional arrangement,” he said.
“The drums on ‘For Good’ took a long time because the song has a complex structure. We did it in pieces,” King Doug said.
Music production for Oversat gets a little more complicating when they manage to translate each of their tracks into Scandinavian. The band is a little obsessed with Scandinavian culture and are planning their first Norwegian tour this summer to promote “Mixed Signals.”
“We have a lot of fans in Norway and the surrounding region so we want to make sure that we give them a little shout out in everything we do,” Jared said. “The Scandinavian culture; Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and somewhat Finland, really resonates with us. They are a Socialist-Democratic Capitalist state.”
Each of the members of Oversat have studied Norwegian which helps them translate their music. However, they also get help from friends who live in Norway.
“We have a close friend… what’s up Rita!… that is double checking our work to make sure that it’s right,” LongBear said. “In Norway there are two different official ways to write the language, and we want to make sure that it’s right because we love you Norway.”
The way the music industry has flourished online with social networking has helped Oversat stay in touch with their fans across the country and across the world.
“We have taken a nearly 3 year hiatus from major promotion to write this 4 album arch. When we toured heavily before, the internet was not the leading factor in promotion,” Jared said. “We always preferred face-to-face interaction. Our fan retention was based on hand shakes and booty shakes. Now we are launching our first of four big internet campaigns and we’re loving it! Music and media are showing that our fans from around the country are still hiding in the corners of dark bars and clubs.”
As far as being on a major record label, Oversat enjoys being underground.
“We were almost on a major label when we were focused on hip-hop but our band has always thrived on being underground,” Jared said.
This summer they will release their EP “The Summer Saved Me,” which has a more surfy sound. Their music can be heard on Http://oversat.bandcamp.com.
“Every time we realize this is our life, we’re thankful to all the fans, all the people who let us crash on their couch and every girl that…never mind,” Jared said. “Our major goal over the next couple years is to release these four albums, and move our headquarters back to Norway.”
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Oversat "Mixed Signals" review
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Experimental/ Punk band Oversat released their EP Mixed Signals on May 1, 2011. Oversat is a three m...Experimental/ Punk band Oversat released their EP Mixed Signals on May 1, 2011. Oversat is a three member band consisting of Jared Cooper (Guitar/Vox), Jeremiah LongBear (Bass/Vox), and King Doug (Drums/Vox). They formed in 1999 when the members were in high school and began making experimental music. The band has some NJ ties, as Jeremiah LongBear spends his summers in Stone Harbor, and one of the songs on the album is about his summers there. "Mixed Signals" consists of a total of six tracks, and the album is the first part in a 4 album story arch. The second album “Summer Saved Me” (which is being called a surfwave album) will be out this summer.
The EP is sort of all over the place in terms of sound and genre. There are songs that sound more hardcore, some that were more punk, and some were sort of impossible to define. This is probably a product of having different members of the band each writing songs, as they all have different musical tastes. The first track on the album is “Stone harbor.” It is sort of a chaotic song, but anyone who has watched “Jersey Shore” on MTV can confirm that sometimes the shore is a chaotic place in the summer. The second track is “Mourning Cloak,” which is more experimental rock. ”In The Other Room” is more surf-rock and the only song on the album that could be described as catchy. The third track “No, No, No, You’re Doing It All Wrong” involves a lot of screaming and feels a lot like it’s written about a really recent breakup. The fourth track, “Above The Shower" is back to being more experimental rock, but is a lot slower than anything previously on the album. The final track “For Good” is similar to “Above the Shower” in tempo, and is probably the best track on the album. While the album has a sound that is all over the place, somehow it ends up working for the band.
Oversat is set to tour this summer and is sure to be in our area, so check them out live. In the meantime you can download Mixed Signals at http://oversat.bandcamp.com/, and with a "name your own price" option for the download its definitely worth paying for.
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Oversat Show Review
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Longbranch, now in its 35th year of existence, has long been a refuge for punks, metalheads and hard...Longbranch, now in its 35th year of existence, has long been a refuge for punks, metalheads and hardcore fans. Perhaps the last true hole-in-the-wall venue in town, it is aKnoxville institution and boasts one of downtown’s best jukebox selections. The bar regularly hosts shows, most of which are of the loud variety, and the acoustics are surprisingly conducive to this type of music. This particular night saw two local bands and a headlining group of grizzled veterans carry on the fine tradition.
Though officially listed as a triple-bill, the (very) young men of DMDP started the proceedings with a collection of blistering hardcore tunes. Heavy on covers, they nevertheless thrilled with a tight, energetic set that had some in attendance thrashing in front of the stage. The three-piece tore through “Search and Destroy” and a revved-up take on “Johnny B. Goode” with poise and conviction, an impressive feat considering it was their first-ever public performance.
Oversat was next to take the stage and it was a welcome sight to behold. Although together in some incarnation for more than a decade and once a fixture on the local scene, the group had limited its Knoxvilleappearances in recent years. But the Longbranch show was one in a string of well-received performances the band played in support of its new EP, Mixed Signals, and the heady mix of frenetic punk energy and melodic experimentalism suggest that the group is just now hitting its stride. The interplay between guitarist Jared Cooper and bassist Jeremiah LongBear seemed natural and intuitive, as they traded vocals effectively and balanced each other’s counter-rhythms adeptly. In addition, King Doug’s propulsive and varied drumming provided extra substance and style to what was an already electrifying set. Back-to-back covers of Wavves andBestCoast, although inane, were fun, off-the-cuff moments in an otherwise intense performance.
Eschewing tradition, headliners Reno Divorce were next to play. Setting up mics on the floor at eye level with the crowd in order to create immediacy and intimacy, the Denver foursome channeled SoCal punk in the vein of Social Distortion to mixed results. While there was no denying the ferocity and technical proficiency of the group, they failed to make much of an impact on locals, the majority of which remained laid-back for the duration of the set. This fact was not lost upon lead vocalist/guitarist Brent Loveday; his banter between songs grew increasingly abusive toward the audience. It really was unfortunate that the solid performance earned such diminished returns, as it elicited pogoing and dancing from only the few fans that had traveled specifically to see the band. And, though not quite a let down, Reno Divorce failed to build upon the promise of the previous set.
Most of the crowd that had watched the first three acts filtered downstairs before The Mutations began their set, but they were replaced by a younger assemblage of college-aged fans who were there to see their peers in action. The band exhibited a stage presence that differed greatly from that of Reno Divorce; they seemed far more concerned with correctly presenting their songs than giving listeners a visually arresting performance. Perhaps this behavior was an understandable product of inexperience, but the contrast was obvious and distracting. Musically, the group fared much better, infusing surly surf rock numbers with gorgeous harmonies. After a slight misstep with a stoned love ballad that lasted a couple of minutes too long, the band returned to its strong suit: churning out peppier, jangly pop songs.
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Oversat: Mixed Signals
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Oversat is a 3-piece experimental/surfwave band that formed in 1999. With influences that range from...Oversat is a 3-piece experimental/surfwave band that formed in 1999. With influences that range from the Deftones to The Ventures, their sound is unique to say the very least and fans of hardcore and punk especially will dig this trio.
On May 1st 2011 the band released Mixed Signals. The six song EP opens with the visceral, fuzz-driven chaos of Stone Harbor. The next track Mourning Cloak is a driving force, with brilliant guitar-work reminiscent of such progressive post-punk bands as Sparta.
Trying to pin down the band’s sound is near-impossible, as the third track In The Other Room has a surf-rock sound with very pop overtones and singable melodies.
The second half of the album is just as experimental as the first, with the band venturing into different tones and moods, blending many different influences, and arriving at a unified expression of distorted, magnificent mayhem.
The best way to experience Oversat is to check out Mixed Signals for yourself or catch them live when they come through Baltimore this summer as part of their national tour in support of the album. Fans of the band apparently won’t have to wait long for more music either, as their next album "Summer Saved Me" is slated for release sometime this summer.
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Oversat releases EP "Mixed Signals"
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The band Oversat has gained a following in Norway in the past years. While the three members are al...The band Oversat has gained a following in Norway in the past years. While the three members are all from the United States, the word "oversat" is Norweigan for "translated." The band have been making music since 1999, with their most widespread contribution being a bicycle safety helmet campaign.
Their new EP, "Mixed Signals," which was released on May 1, exemplifies this. The first track, "Stone Harbor," is the most robust, showing the band's hardcore influence. Heavy drums and guitars dominate this song, complete with mosh-worthy breakdowns indicative of the genre.
"Mourning Cloak," melts down some of the sheer energy of "Stone Harbor," and leaves us with a lean and tailored composition. The drums still forthright, but leaving room for melody.
"In the Other Room" is perhaps the biggest testament to the band's punk-rock appreciation. This track is melodic and also contains a Libertine-like quality in vocals as well as drum composition.
By this point in the EP Oversat has nestled their way into a solid sound. But they do not stop there, as the track "Above the Shower" begins. Melodic and soothing, this track once again explores a different sound. "Above the Shower" is ambient and attests that while Oversat can rock, they can also rock you to sleep. In a good way.
"Mixed Signals" is a rollercoaster ride for your ear drums. You won't be bored as you'll likely find yourself, from beginning to end, thrashing like a Boston mosher, as well as slowing down to appreciate some of their softer sounds.
