Oreaganomics serve up all the grooves on "Locked out on Valentine’s Day"
For a group that has spent two decades thriving in the shadows, Oreaganomics sound remarkably at ease stepping into the shine on Locked Out on Valentine’s Day. Anonymous by design and allergic to the usual machinery of visibility, Oreaganomics continue to let the music do the talking, and here, it speaks with groove and purpose. It’s undeniably catchy, relevant in its lyrics, and might just have you dancing around as well.
Since emerging from rural Kansas in the mid-2000s and later making their way to Chicago, the band has steadily refined a sound that resists easy an easy genre classification. This album is one of their most inviting statements yet though. Across its concise runtime, the record balances accessibility with a fair amount of experimentation, weaving together lo-fi textures, soulful melodies, jazzy progressions, and pop instincts without ever feeling scattered in the slightest! Instead, it feels intentional, as if the band has distilled years of this exploration into something perfectly cohesive and original.
The production is 100% a standout. Everything feels warm with a brightness that nods to classic ’70s instrumentation while still infusing a ton of modernity, especially on “Work Not Heart” or “Venus”. Guitars shimmer and crunch, thick basslines glide give the whole record some oomph, and those exceptional rhythm sections lock into grooves that feel effortless. There’s a sense of musicianship throughout that rewards close listening, even as the album remains instantly enjoyable on the first listen. It’s the kind of record that can soundtrack a late-night drive or a quiet morning to set your day off on the right foot.
Lyrically, Oreaganomics stay true to their roots, tackling real-life concerns with a mix of empathy, frustration, and wit. The whole record is relevant as they tackle themes of economic pressure, inequality, and personal disillusionment. There’s an honesty here that feels refreshing in an era of performative outrage. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t sucked in by the instrumentation, but now on repeated listens, we’ve come back to listen to their words.
The soul emanating from the record is impossible to avoid in the best way possible. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the sheer euphoria that “Pull Me Under” gave was pure joy. The grooves are inviting, the melodies memorable, but there’s always an edge beneath the surface. There’s plenty of emotion in the vocal delivery, but it’s those instrumental breakdowns too that add so much to the mix.
For a band that avoids live performance and social media spectacle, Oreaganomics have created a record that’ll still keep people talking. It invites listeners into their world, asking not for attention, but for understanding. After 20 years, Locked Out on Valentine’s Day sounds like the work of artists who know exactly who they are, unbothered by trends and unafraid to evolve on their own terms.
You probably won’t discover them on the internet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need all the attention, because with a record like this they deserve all the praise. Go ahead and click those links below to lock into this record and of course to make sure you’re staying tuned for anything else in the works.
Listen to “Locked Out on Valentine’s Day”
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
