Oh He Dead (from the album Ugly

Oh He Dead (from the album Ugly

Oh He Dead (from the album Ugly on Wally Baba Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Granted, their handle might create a somewhat ominous impression and, so too, the name of their new album could very well lead one to come to a similar sobering conclusion. Fortunately, then, the Washington-based combo — front woman CJ Johnson, Alex Salser (guitar), Adam Ashforth (drums), Piano Whitman (keys), John Daise and Colin Sidley (bass) — are very much alive. And while Ugly can’t necessarily be described as ‘pretty’ (Pretty was the title of the band’s 2023 release – editor) dealing as it does, with rumination, introspection, and the thoughts that tend to cloud one’s consciousness in the hours between dusk and the dawn, it is, in fact, a singularly  impressive effort.

Oh He Dead have evolved quite naturally from the very beginning, when Johnson’s high school teacher took notice of her musical abilities and decided to become her manager. Now, with three albums to their credit and a win for their video courtesy of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, Oh He Dead have attracted a legion of followers drawn to their soulful sounds and penchant for honesty and authenticity. As far as the group’s unlikely moniker is concerned, it supposedly derived from Johnson’s answer when she was asked what became of a cheating boyfriend in one of her songs. ‘Oh, he dead’ she replied.
 
With Ugly, the band has accelerated its skill sets to a decided degree. The robust rocker “Tell Me” (featuring added accompaniment from The Honeynut Horns) makes it clear that these songs don’t dwell simply on sorrow. The seductive strains of “Is It Love” and “Artemis” further affirm the fact that the band is intent on maintaining a positive perspective. The vibrant sound of “Strange Love” and the quietly contemplative “Every Last Trail” find Johnson affirming her devotion and seizing on her sentiment.

On the other hand, certain songs affect a darker demeanor. ‘I love you, but I don’t know why’ Johnson insists on “Two Days”. The alternately reflective and decidedly demonstrative “The Foreigner” conveys feelings of abject uncertainty, conflict, and confusion. As the title implies, “Cover Me” suggests deeper concerns often reside well below the surface,
As a result, Ugly comes across as an album flush with maturity, emotion and articulate expression. In that sense, Oh He Dead effectively define what it means to be alive. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Oh He Dead from AMAZON
 
For more information head on over to the Oh He Dead website