What do you get when you take four guys, mix in musical influences ranging from the Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Elvis Costello and Chubby Checker, spice it up with a wacky sense of humor and a pronounced pop sensibility, and shake it all up with a Nineties twist? It’s the Opie’s Dream cocktail! And shakin’ AND stirred will be part of the audience reaction when they latch on to the latest batch of songs concocted by Opie’s Dream on their latest cd, 'No More Time'.
The band got together a couple of years ago, after doing the usual musician thing of cutting their individual musical teeth in a variety of bands playing a variety of musical styles. Pete Costantino (bass, vocals) and Mark Meisel (guitar, vocals) share the songwriting and lead singer chores, while Bruce Karry (keys, guitar, accordion, harmonica, backing vocals) and Rick Hren (drums, backing vocals) provide solid support and some pretty extensive musical chops.
Their main focus has been to develop their musical vision and following in the Detroit area. In the past year they’ve made some pretty big strides towards those goals, including being nominated for the 1998 Detroit Music Awards as Best New Artist in the rock/pop category, appearances on radio and cable programs, including the Mitch Albom show on WJR-AM, and recording and releasing an EP that eventually led to 'No More Time'.
'No More Time' is an album that embraces pop music at its most expansive, while showing an extensive knowledge of musical styles. From 80’s-style power pop to cigar-and-martini lounge music, the musical adventurism reflects the spirit of the band. 'Someone once said that we were Steely Dan meets Soundgarden, and I really like that,' comments Mark Meisel. The genre-jumping eclecticism produces, for example, songs like the pop-meets-gospel 'The Magic Kingdom', a paean to possibility. And while love songs may be the staff of life for most pop music, Opie’s Dream takes a look at other emotions and issues that come up in everyday life, like missed chances and opportunities.
The song ‘No More Time’ is in some ways our musical line drawn in the sand, says Meisel. It has a number of possible meanings, but for us it’s really positive. It’s like saying, ‘okay, this is where we stand, where we draw the line. No more time to lose, so let’s go! and do the things we dream of doing. Opie’s Dream is doing exactly that. As they move to make their particular dream a reality, the band goes forward with the same exuberance and sense of adventure that infuses their record. And their confidence that their audience is ready for the ride is palpable. As Pete Costantino says half-wonderingly, 'You know, I listen to this album in the car and think to myself, how can people not like this?', and Meisel is quick to agree. 'I thought for sure I would be sick of this record by now, and I’m not. Which is really amazing!'
So come cross Opie’s Dream’s musical line in the sand. They’ll no doubt invite you in for a little refreshment, so enjoy the Opie’s Dream cocktail, even if it may be, as Bruce Karry jokes, more like 'beer and tequila'. And then hang on while they give you the musical ride of your life! The time is now for 'No More Time'. Don’t miss it!