Say Hi

Oohs & Aahs

[3.5/5]

At first, the latest from Seattle-based indie-rock band Say Hi (really, a nom de band of songwriter Eric Elbogen) could be called Now That’s What I Call Coachella, Volume 4; there’s no denying the bits of his songs that call to mind Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, Depeche Mode and about 14 other stalwarts of the festival scene. On concurrent listens, though, it’s clear the band have grown up, and not just because Elbogen dropped the obnoxious “To Your Mom” from his band’s name. “The Stars Just Blink For Us” is fragile and romantic; “Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh” uses the same psych-rock tools that Beck’s recently been experimenting with, and “Hallie And Henry” carefully explodes into a chorus so undeniable, it deserves to be removed from the realm of guilty pleasure. (BARSUK; barsuk.com) Jeff Miller