BAEBLE CONCERTS: the oohlas at Red 7 - SXSW

Oohlas is an interesting band to behold. Right away, from the set's opening riffs, the distinction of their inspirations is apparent; in their use of guitar echo, one recalls defining techniques of U2 guitarist the Edge, which evokes memories of the "Joshua Tree" era. Then suddenly, a jolt forward into the early Nineties post-punk alternative scene is thrust upon the audience with the introduction of the group's rhythm section. A final ingredient, the wounded yet catchy vocals of lead singer Ollie Stone, completes this transformation, a send up of sounds specifically reminiscent of the Riot Grrl movement from the Pacific Northwest. Without question, Stone's onstage swagger and captivating presence emulates the sentiment of Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, and yet her band's overall sound exercises slightly more melodic pop in the vein of mid-90s alt-rockers the Breeders. Ollie's voice, regardless of the ferocity of her delivery, has a sweetness to it which makes the poisoned pill of her tortured emotion easier to swallow. It is the most intriguing instrument to comprise this band's sonic canon.
-Justin Thomas