If seeking a band that embodies the essence of Roots N Blues N BBQ, The Oh Hellos combine an unforgettable musical experience with an abundance of food jokes.
“The music is good too, I’m sure, but the BBQ is, like, the good part,” Tyler Heath, vocalist and guitarist of The Oh Hellos, said.
The Oh Hellos’ performance at Roots N Blues on Saturday afternoon was an unforeseen experience that left you wanting more. Listening to the music alone, the Texas band’s songs could be considered perfect for those nights you just want to stay in and relax, or even good music to accompany hours of homework and studying.
The Oh Hellos are a folk group headed by siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath, but they’re backed up by a large and diverse group of musicians. Instruments range from an electric guitar to a banjo and from a violin to an accordion.
Rather than the relaxed performance that was expected, the energy on stage alone was contagious and had the audience filled with a happy spirit. Every single band member was dancing like a lunatic while performing; however, the uninhibited dance moves appeared completely natural to the performance, enhancing the experience of seeing the band live in every way possible.
“I like their dance moves, they danced more than anyone else [I’ve seen],” said Shannon Rauter, a student from Iowa State University. Rauter traveled from Iowa State to see The Oh Hellos and The Devil Makes Three, a band performing later that evening.
The band performed a combination of songs from their self-titled EP and their two albums, “Through The Deep, Dark Valley” and their most recent album, “Dear Wormwood.” Most songs began sweet and sultry, but ended loudly and rambunctiously in the best way possible. Every single song made audience members want to dance. Even if it was a mere sway, it was impossible to stand still and stone-faced as The Oh Hellos performed.
Not only was the music entertaining, but the personalities of the performers as well. Vocalist and guitarist Tyler Heath was the main person to talk in between songs, frequently making jokes with the crowd.
“I’ll tell you the hardest smell to sing through is funnel cake,” Tyler said, earning him nods of agreement.
People of all ages were enjoying the concert, from the toddler in the neon orange beanie dancing with his mom, to the young adult hipster with organic cigarettes in his back pocket, to the older man with the earplugs bopping and swaying to the beat. Looking around, it was hard to find one person that wasn’t smiling.
Songs performed included fan favorites “Hello My Old Heart” from their self-titled EP, “Dear Wormwood” from their most recent album of the same name, and “Like The Dawn” from their album “Through The Deep, Dark Valley.”
The song “Dear Wormwood” features a haunting chorus with a steady crescendo of “I know who you are now,” then the final chorus ending in “I know who I am now.” The live performance of the song sent goosebumps up your arms.
“They’re really fun; they’re really diverse,” San Diego native Gretchen Vogt said. “They meshed so many styles of music together.”
“Like The Dawn” is a song mostly sung by Maggie with Tyler joining in for the chorus, creating an ethereal harmony.
For the closing number, “The Truth Is A Cave,” Tyler encouraged the crowd to let go and enjoy themselves.
“If there’s a small seed of energy within you that you’ve been waiting to let bloom, please do,” Tyler said.
The ensemble heeded Tyler’s advice as the violinist jumped into the crowd while playing a tambourine and one of the guitarists climbed the ladder-like pillars of the stage and continued to strum notes from his guitar with one hand.
