Album Notes

The Local Tourists are Brendan O'Malley and Kent Schauble. Their debut album, "Happy Birthday, Kyle," was produced in New York City by Mike Caffrey at Monster Island Records and features the talents of Steven Wolf (percussion), Jack Daley (bass guitar) and Jim Ryan (piano, keyboards) as well as several guest musicians including Tara Harvey (oboe), Scott Wakefield (banjo) and Danny Yoo (violin).

"Happy Birthday, Kyle," is an eclectic mix of songs from O'Malley and Schauble's last 6 years of writing. The duo met while studying classical voice at the Indiana University School of Music in the late 90's. Their unique style displays a complex integration of vocal harmony and melody into songs which are as thought-provoking and sophisticated as they are fun and memorable. The music ranges from the intricate harmonies of the opening track, "Tuesday Evening" to the epic "The Ballad of Lickey and Diamond" to the operatic vocals of the closing track, "Pharaoh."

The album doesn't have a dull moment in its 48 minutes of uncommon, innovative and refreshing melodic composition.

REVIEWS:

Highly creative and unpredictable rock!
-Indie-Music.com. April 18th, 2008

The duo's debut album packs sweeping violin melodies, classical guitar, dynamic chord changes and folk-style lyrics into a pop-rock cornucopia that overflows with an indulgently diverse range of melodies and styles. "The Ballad of Lickey and Diamond" is an epic classic rock tale that unfolds like a children's bedtime story. A few songs later, we get the driving, chord-mashing "Six for a Parlay, Twelve for a Teaser," a piece that would be at home on Broadway. "Happy Birthday, Kyle" is a feast.
-Alibi (alibi.com). V. 17, no. 1. Jan. 3rd-9th, 2008.

An intriguing, eclectic sound all its own. Operatic vocals paired with alternative rock instrumentals set it apart from the norm. If you're looking for an album with more substance than what you generally hear on the radio, "Happy Birthday, Kyle" could be a refreshing change of pace.
-The Miami Hurricane. Jan. 31st, 2008.

An enjoyable mix of ballads and upbeat tracks with addictive lyrics… an intriguing sound that is refreshing and unique. In short, "Happy Birthday, Kyle" is delightful.
-The Record, Harvard Law School. Feb. 28th, 2008