Oberhofer – The Lexington, London 22/02/2012

Seeing Brad Oberhofer in action is a slightly depressing experience for those of us getting on in years. He’s only 21 yet he’s touring the world with a finely crafted selection of effervescent, lo-fi pop rock that put many of his more established contemporaries to shame.

Whilst many in his position take the “laptop warrior” route, karaoke-singing over an iPod backing track, he’s taken the time to put together a talented band of multi-instrumentalists, embellishing his mix of Alvin Band-esque psych-pop and washed-out surf rock with lashings of glockenspiel and synths, not to mention a tremendous amount of enthusiasm.

The lyrics perhaps won’t be feted for their poetic nuance or Wildean wit (typical example: ooOoo, ooOoo, ooOoo, ooOoo), and his vocals are still on the rough side. But there’s no denying Obehofer’s ear for a pop melody, and the vitality of the band carries even the more generic songs of the set.

Energetic, endearing and thoroughly enjoyable, Oberhofer are destined for much bigger things– and to continue making the rest of us seem like underachievers.