Hello Ocho

Posted by Davy Minor on January 8, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Tags: Hello Ocho, Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge, Joanna Newsom, RockandEggProduction - Davy Minor, http://ohmpark.com/

Hello Ocho returns for another round of indie rock with a buoyant art bend that marries pop tones with subtle, electronic textures. - — Chad Radford, Creative Loafing ATL

Hello Ocho became a local favorite in 2010, based on energetic performances and an amiable pop sound littered with electronic textures and arty weirdness. The prospect of the band's forthcoming full-length, Ima Dance at Yo Wedding, due in mid-February, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Atlanta indie rock releases of the year. - by Chad Radford. Creative Loafing ATL

Album Review: The self-titled 4-song EP checks in at just over 13 minutes and is the perfect introduction to the local Atlanta trio Hello Ocho. Consisting of drummer John Gregg, bassist Clinton Callahan, and lead singer/songwriter Chris Yonker, Hello Ocho is a cross between the catchy organic melodies of Vampire Weekend, electronic eccentricity of Radiohead, classic feel of The Who, and free-flowing attitude of the Talking Heads.

The primary sound of the group is based in a melting of electronic production and live instrumentation. Hello Ocho utilizes the power of technology to tweak and glitch instruments, including guitars, organs, synthesizers, and percussion, creating truly unique music. The proficient yet humble live instrumentation of the rhythm section is layered on top of the electric sounds, injecting life into their up-tempo songs.

Lead singer/songwriter Chris Yonker isn’t your standard vocalist. He understands his voice and uses it more as an instrument, this tendency adding to the overall sound rather than dominating the musical canvas. York has an uncanny, often soft spoken, but dynamic and charismatic voice that balances the somber with the fun and light hearted.

York, an Atlanta native, speaks of very random but entertaining subjects in a slightly abstract way. From the song “Doctor,” about “a Miss” - possibly human or not - having an unpleasant stay at his home, to “Robots,” where York’s attempt to create robots to complete his mundane tasks goes terribly awry, York paints inconspicuously enjoyable tales with his words.

Listeners will be left in a state of daze after this EP, almost as if day dreaming. The combination of instruments, production, lyrics, and voice draws you into Hello Ocho’s carefree musical world. Recorded almost a year ago, the self-titled EP is just the tip of the iceberg for the group. Headed back into the studio to record their follow up EP in November, Hello Ocho is walking their own unique path.

Hello Ocho will be performing live at Barroco Festival at the Goat Farm November 6th at 7pm. Their debut can be downloaded for FREE at http://www.mediafire.com/helloocho. To stream the EP, visit their website at http://www.myspace.com/helloocho or search for their fan page (Hello Ocho) on Facebook.

Hello Ocho performs "Dr." live off their self titled EP. - Christ Khodadadi, Atlanta Local Music Examiner