Oh Dang Lo Mein

There’s more to sister-fronted soul-rock outfit Oh Dang Lo Mein than a LOL-worthy band name — though their moniker, which marries Chinese cuisine with Southern informality, does indeed hint at the sort of fusion Oh Dang does masterfully. Recorded with Joel “J. Dahl” McAnulty (De Novo Dahl, By Lightning!) at his Phantom Farmercy and Jeremy Ferguson at his Battle Tapes Recording, Oh Dang Lo Mein’s debut LP OMEN features a little bit of everything in terms of influence: traditional gospel music, doo-wop, neo-soul and R&B (think Nick Waterhouse or Raphael Saadiq), Latin jazz, French pop (just a touch of Françoise Hardy, perhaps?), and true-blue American rock ’n’ roll (from Mickey and Sylvia to Little Richard). ODLM may have a silly name, and they may get playful with lyrics from time to time. But from the spare, vocal-and-percussion hymn of “Grandma” to the rich organ-and-guitar interplay of “Coffee” and “Ring” (aided in part by contributions from members of Fly Golden Eagle, By Lightning! and more), OMEN is serious business, and informed by the greats. Tonight, Oh Dang Lo Mein celebrates OMEN’s release. Clear Plastic Masks and McAnulty’s Phantom Farmer appear in support. —D. PATRICK RODGERS - Nashville Scene/Cream (Critics Pick)