Say Hi
Independent - Oct 1, 2009
review by nikkiroddy

Watching Say Hi (formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom) perform live at The Independent in October, I couldn’t help but notice the differences between their records and live show. As the band ripped through tracks from its newest album, Oohs & Aahs, the lo-fi fuzziness the Seattle-based, indie rock band is known for just didn’t seem to translate.

On the record, the instruments and echoes mesh together supporting the slightly distorted vocals, creating catchy pop songs like "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh". But in the less controllable setting of a live show, loud guitar reverb drowned out lead singer Eric Elbogen’s mushy vocals, leaving us listeners straining to make sense of what was happening.

Maybe this is just a result of the type of music Say Hi creates. Lo-fi synth pop is supposed to sound unpolished after all, and people who are fans will probably be entertained. But even so, I feel like Say Hi can do better. Maybe my problem is that this band has been established for seven years, and their show feels dated, lacking a sense of relevance.

If a band isn’t innovative, a powerful live show is the perfect way to make an audience forgive and forget. I wish Say Hi was a little more satisfying on that front, but I’m staying optimistic and look forward to seeing what they've got up their sleeves.

posted Nov 22, 2009
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