Oh No Not Stereo – 003

’s sophomore outing, titled, as cunningly as Baldrick on a bad day, ‘003’ is an album for the archetypal fan of rock music, and most probably stadium rock at that. Whilst they have yet to build their way up filling stadiums, amongst the 15 tracks from this LP they certainly have the bedrock in place should Wembley come calling.

‘003’ is top heavy with the three monster tracks all heading up the charge, allowing no time for breathe in this full on onslaught on your ears. This duo are certainly from the American Pie soundtrack school of music, but to completely pigeonhole them like that would do them a great disservice as they would appear to have many a string to their bow than the likes of Sum 41 et al. Instead they manage to rock out with an air of intelligence without ever stopping to over complicate life. ‘Lets Get It Started’ and ‘Hurricanes’ really show the pair at the top of their studio game, and it is no wonder they need to employ a guitarist and bassist to accompany them on tour. And ‘All You’ is an epic depiction of what they might be capable of in a live arena with the extra team members.

They deal in the very same raucous yet reliably radio friendly rock music that has served the Foo Fighters so well over recent years yet ‘12 Years Later’ is Oasis’ ‘Masterplan’ had Noel grown up on the opposite side of the water. A lush background of strings and some elegant acoustic work makes this song immediately imaginable atop an MTV playlist. By the end of the album, an exhausting hour, you will be well trained in the Oh No Not Stereo formula, but the urge to put the record on again might just overcome you. Far from the most original album you will hear this year it’s strength is in it charm and staying power. The mainstream may just beckon.