Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Take the Mid-Range and Boost It, a track-by-track guide. Recorded in Start Together Studio, Belfast - June to Septempber 2007. Additional recording in Jazzy City Studios, Jersey City, NJ - March 2007 and Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR - October 2007.

1. Major Television Events
Live favourite, now with extra welly. Within five seconds of this album starting, we've already got a quirky lyric, a memorable hook and a proper sing-along moment. Straight in, no kissing.

2. Look Up
The single is, as we should have known, nowhere near the best track on the album. Yet we've been hammering it on the radio and using it as an excuse to get very excited about this album. Which proves just how good 'Take the Whole Midrange...' really is.

3. Cate Blanchett
A track which makes us realize Oppenheimer have never really done the whole, slow-song, ballad thing. Which is strange for an act who have given us some of the sweetest music we've heard this millennium. With a straight, untouched piano (also a rare thing for this band) at the heart of the song, it's the simplest track they've ever recorded. And arguably the finest. 'You were punching the air/ after we just met' is also a stand out lyric.

4. Only Goal and Winner
Keeping it calm and low-key for another couple of minutes, 'Only Goal and Winner' is drenched in spangly, star-shaped keys and trippy walls of sound as Rocky has a field day with those synthesizers.

5. Take the Whole Midrange and Boost It
The title track introduces strings, as our heroes go a little Divine Comedy on us. For the verses, anyway - those choruses are noisy and full on. In a good way, of course. Another stand-out.

6. Stephen McCauley for President
A real let down and without doubt the worst track they've ever recorded. Oh wait a minute, it's great. Anyone care for some sour grapes?

7. Support Our Truths
Impressive sounding percussion reminds us just how good these guys are in the studio. Rocky's been an engineer for years and it shows. Lucky for Belfast, he's now got his own studio at the Oh Yeah building.

8. The Blue Rose
Every review should at least attempt to be critical - so let's highlight the albums blink-and-you'd-miss-it dip in quality. And it's not even that bad a song.

9. Before & After the Quake
Another live favourite which, like most tracks the band have performed in recent times, seems remarkably familiar and comforting. It's as if these tunes have been floating around forever, it's just that Oppenheimer have finally nailed them down. Features contributions from various friends (Tanya Skibunny, Tom McShane to name two) and guitars from local noise-nik Horby.

10. Fireworks are Illegal in the State of New Jersey
No Doubt inspired by yet another stateside adventure (most likely involving their legendary soundman Gerry Bannon), 'Fireworks' reminds us that Oppenheimer have endless road stories, having covered more miles in just two years than most bands would in an entire career.

11.The Never Never
Featuring vocals from Matt Caughtran, vocalist with one of Oppenheimer's favourite bands - The Bronx. Matt's screeched verse alongside Shaun's angelic chorus really shouldn't work, yet here it is, another standout track and the strangest duet you'll hear this... century.

12. I Don't Care What Anyone Says About You, I Think You're Alright
Rocky's big moment, taking over vocal duties on yet another highlight, with one of the most catchy hooks on the album. It builds and builds, as the band indulge themselves a little. And so they should, as they bookend an astonishing, traffic stopping record. Short, but oh so sweet.

Rigsy