The Result of an Island Getaway

When I think about Hawaiian-inspired music, the bands Phantom Planet, Gomez and Maroon 5 are probably the last artists I would think to be associated with the carefree sounds of a ukulele or the soothing rhythm of rolling waves against the surf. A new band composed of 14 musicians from all different musical backgrounds came together to form Operation Aloha. Some of the artists associated with the group include: vocalist and guitarist Ian Ball from Gomez, guitarist James Valentine from Maroon 5, and bassist Sam Farrar from Phantom Planet. What these, and several other artists decided to do was go on a Hawaiian escape with the sole purpose of putting together an album that could be produced away from the hectic style of life in the mainland. The result is self-titled album Operation Aloha consisting of 14 tracks that are obviously searching for the true meaning of Aloha Spirit. The disc was released on May 12, and I highly recommend you give it a listen. Be sure to check out the tracks “Failure,” which is about a Mrs. Robinson type affair and “Waltzing Matilda” a track that looks into the heartbreak of war.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Oh No” by Dr. Dog from the album Easy Beat

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