You'll either love them or hate them. That's the reaction I've gotten when 3OH3! comes into conversation. I either get a surprise "Oh-my-God, you-know-who-3OH!3-is?" face or simply a weird eye squint with raised eyebrow face as in "Yeah. They're lame." It's all in how you look at the band, or listen for that matter.
3OH!3 is a band that is quickly gaining momentum for their eclectic mix of styles in their music. As a duo from Boulder, Co., (303 being the area code), Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte combine hard beats with electronica and '80s dance pop. Not many bands come to mind as having a sound as unique as 3OH!3, as it seems to be a new genre all in its own, but if comparison is needed, I'd say their sound is along the lines of Mindless Self Indulgence (MSI). Both MSI and 3OH!3 have a somewhat spastic sound but it works, especially with the diverse and creative lyrics that combine with such beats. There are so many quotable lyrics it's hard to not use them in everyday conversation, such as "You tell your boyfriend, if he says he's got beef-- That I'm a vegetarian and I'm not f**king scared of him," off of their most noticeable song "Don't Trust Me."
3OH!3 were signed to Photo Finish Records less than a year ago in April 2008, and ended up playing at every stop on last summer's Warped Tour, right during the mist of when their debut album from Photo Finish, Want, was released in July. "Don't Trust Me" is the most pop-ish song on the album with an easy chorus to sing along with as well as new dance craze in the making, the "Helen Keller."
Among the listens on the 12-track disc, include "Starstukk," a personal fave incorporating whistling as a genius aspect to the song, 'lyric-wise,' if you will. It's a total sing along. You'll have to take a listen if you're curious as there's not much else to say in order to describe it; We'll just say it's different…and catchy…and wondrous.
On the other hand, "Richman" starts off strong with powerful raps, then transitions into smooth lyricism. It gets you pumped up, settles you down for a bit, and then brings you right back up.
Most of the songs off of Want are categorized in the hardcore beats section, but there are a couple ballad-eske songs on the album as well, including "Colorado Sunrise" and "Still Around."
"Still Around" incorporates soft beats and piano background which create for a nice switch from the rest of their songs. It takes the band out of their element, but it's still wonderfully done and just as powerful. It proves Foreman and Motte can expand their sound if they really wanted to. The fact that they just play music that they enjoy performing is just as well, and they've been doing so since their self-titled release in 2007.
3OH!3 can be described as having a goofball persona, but that's what makes their shows so fun to be at. It's all about entertaining and they're known for using skits and costumes during their live shows. To continue their momentum, they'll be headlining the AP Tour this year, playing in Boston on May 1, and also playing on this summer's Warped Tour as well.
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