DC-based indie soul group Oh He Dead has been hitting a stride, being featured on the Washington Post, NPR, and releasing their self-titled debut album back in 2019. The band started as a folk duo, with singer C.J. Johnson and guitarist/vocalist Andy Valenti, but expanded and experimented with new sounds with three other members, Alex Salser (guitar), John Daise (bass), and Adam Ashforth (drums). Their latest outing, their first release in two years, is well worth the wait. The release is a bouncing, neo-funk track and visual called Bottle It Up.
Bottle It Up features a playful drumbeat and sunny guitar riffs that complement the lyrics of trying to bottle up feelings of infatuation, to limit being around the people that make you swoon for fear of getting hurt. The energy of the track is very uplifting and it just feels like a soundtrack for falling in love. A music video was released alongside the song as well.
The music video gives the impression that this song was nothing but fun to make, displaying a chemistry and camaraderie that so many bands would be envious of.
This is just another day for Oh He Dead, songs like these aren't flashes in the pan by any means, this is routine beauty, positive and insightful, it's a sign that Bottle It Up is just the beginning.
Stream Bottle It Up on all platforms here.
Follow Oh He Dead on IG here.
Written by Max Olarinde, @mobeige1 on all social media.