Oh, Hooray Album Release Show Live at Lambert Hall and Record Review

Oh, Hooray an alternative folk and art pop band based in Houston, Texas held their special one night release show for their new record, “THE CITY HAS TEETH, I THINK I SAW THEM ONCE” at Lambert Hall on April 25th, 2026. Along the lineup in support of the show was A Million Ways…, Juvenoia, and Ancient Cat Society.

Oh, Hooray an alternative folk and art pop band based in Houston, Texas held their special one night release show for their new record, “THE CITY HAS TEETH, I THINK I SAW THEM ONCE” at Lambert Hall on April 25th, 2026. Along the lineup in support of the show was A Million Ways…, Juvenoia, and Ancient Cat Society. Participation of local independent vendors attended the event from Democratic Socialists of America booths, Good Junk Vintage Records, local brewery roasted coffee setup, thrifted clothes, and a special appearance from collage artist, Nick (htxbornandblazed on Instagram) who designed Oh, Horray’s promotional poster for the show.

The band’s formation began in 2021 with the lineup including Jamie McDonald (vocalist/guitar), Jacob Hutto (vocals/guitar, keys), Sam Rohed (keys, trombone), Zach Lacey (guitar), Sarah Hobson (vocals/synths), Folkware (synths), and Allison Locke (drums). Together, the seven piece reinvents the genre with their intricate compositions and ability to transform their music into a spectacle. The songwriting of Oh, Hooray takes a deeper introspective look upon a vast majority of personal and complicated themes such as insecurities, growing up, heartbreak, and statements against the current political state. Oh, Horray’s influence comes from many different influences that establish their individuality and charismatic identity. Their inspiration comes from their visual storytelling background with the integration of film, dance, theatre, and stop motion which all further enhance their artistry and unique collective presence. Oh, Hooray is the lovechild between Of Monsters and Men, The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and Bright Eyes, with a dash of Vampire Weekend. The band released their debut album, “for when you feel like a moth” in 2022 featuring 12 original tracks. In their humble beginnings, Oh, Hooray received the honorable privilege of being selected by NPR’s for their Tiny Desk contest competition submission in 2021, performing their song, ’Torment The Butterfly’.

Upon walking in the entrance of Lambert Hall within the Heights historical district in Houston, notable for their architecture that still holds a massive following in the community amongst its notoriety for the arts, music, great local restaurants, and walkable streets. Entering further inside the annex of the building, opening its chapel doors, the sight that beholds you is out a still from a movie scene. The subtle creaks of the wooden floor panels as you enter the venue portrays the years of endless memories of those who walked through these very doors before me. Peering sunshine glistened through the intricately detailed mosaic yellow stained glass illuminates the red velvet seats of the auditorium. The grand auditorium stood below as the mezzanine balcony hovered above the holy ground of the church. Amongst the floor, empty gear cases were scattered around and near corners of the stage. As the momentum of the soundcheck was already in process calling for vocal or sonic adjustments as bands were fine tuning their instrumentations. Usual preparations and focused insight within the sound production echoed through the pristine church walls.

Within the late afternoon leading up towards the show as soundcheck continued and portraits were taken, a special birthday celebration for Jacob Hutton (guitarist of Oh, Hooray and lead vocalist of A Million Ways…) was held in a private dressing room further back inside the church. A sing along to the birthday tune by closest friends and a blow of the burning flame candles blew out. After the momentous and joyful celebration it was time to head down towards the cellar room downstairs. The smell of freshly brewed coffee beans and chatter amongst attendees, vendors, and friends lingered augmenting a cozy atmosphere. Buzz filled the room as the embracing and tightly knit community brought together for the love of music and arts mingled with one another and having fascinating conversations.

As time lingered on and the sunset started to dissipate into warm tones that painted the sky around 7pm, it was time for the show to begin. Opening the record release party, indie pop band Juvenoia hit the stage with their groovy and melodic instrumentations and a flair for the saxophone that filled the quaint room of excited attendees. After their set, A Million Ways… followed with their indie rock and folk sound paired with their authentic and soulful lyrics. The band performed new songs from their debut EP, “Rehearsal Tape ‘24” alongside a cover of Sufjan Stevens. Next up, Ancient Cat Society hit the stage and serenaded the crowd with their upbeat folky and harmonious instrumentation. The added performance stylization of the band was a sight to see them with all matching bucket hats further adding to their exquisite personalities and joined collaboration. Soon after, the anticipation started to rise as excited chatter and lively ambiance filled the room as Oh, Hooray was next to perform.

The stage production of the show was similar to that of an artist showcasing their work in a renowned gallery. White curtains were placed in front of the stained glass windows to darken the auditorium to avoid any stray lights appearing from the surrounding area. A projector screen illuminated the room that displayed visuals of movie scenes directly from vintage vhs tapes onto the curtains. The visuals were edited to be distorted and fuzzy that accolades the signature visual storytelling of Oh, Hooray. The band performed songs from their new record, “THE CITY HAS TEETH, I THINK I SAW THEM ONCE” alongside some of their favorite past releases. Oh, Hooray’s presence up on the stage is unlike any that you will come across as their deep passion for their music and friendship comes across that magnetizes you. Their energy and love for performing is a sight to behold that entranced their supportive fans watching from their christened seats.

“THE CITY HAS TEETH, I THINK I SAW THEM ONCE” is an album that tugs at your heartstrings at the most deepest levels as the themes revolve around one’s own insecurities, longing for acceptance, and the wish to change aspects about yourself. The musical arrangements coincide with one another making it a visual soundscape that you get lost into as you’re settling down beneath a shady tree reading a book, riding a bike down to the park in the sunset, or the perfect album to listen to while creating your own works of art. The folky acoustic guitars, sparkling strings, and the use of the twangy pedal steel guitars is instantly comforting and feels just like a place you could get lost into. A few personal highlights of the album that I gravitate towards are the tracks are, ‘WASTELAND 2’, ‘STATISTICALLY ME’,‘A TRULY GREAT MAN’, ‘TWO BLOCKS DOWN (AND I’M CHOKING UP), and ‘LIKE THE REAL THING’. The record has an immense amount of potential into becoming part of a soundtrack of an indie film with its diversive and visionary nature. It is a collective album that highlights the imperfections of being human while embracing the quirks and relationships that come within this lifetime.

Thanks to Oh, Hooray for inviting me to their special album release celebration and having the chance to get some exclusive shots and photographing the show! The band currently announced their “Blissful Anonymity” tour with A Million Ways… hitting cities in Houston (05/30), New Orleans (06/03), Knoxville (06/05), and North Carolina (06/06).