Andhi & The O’Neills
New York State’s Andhi & the O’Neills are introducing their debut album, The Surprise Party, with the release of their first single, “Blame it on the Weatherman.” The song blends folk rock with the polished harmonies of 1960s girl groups like The Ronettes and The Supremes. Produced, recorded, and mixed by Seth Applebaum of Ghost Funk Orchestra, the track highlights Andhi O’Neill’s storytelling and musical range. The band’s lineup features O’Neill (Origami Sun) on vocals and acoustic guitar, Austin Kopec (Austin Kopec Band) on lead guitar, Stefano Luigi Guida (The Veggies) on bass, and Greg Hanson (The Mad Doctors, Lumps) on drums.
Lyrically, “Blame it on the Weatherman” plays with the idea of forecasting as a metaphor for uncertainty. O’Neill describes the song as a reflection on the human tendency to find external forces to blame for life’s unpredictability. “Everyone loves a scapegoat,” O’Neill explains. “For me, it will always be the weatherman. Who is he to tell me when it rains? Who is he to change my plans?” The lyrics mix frustration with defiance, capturing the album’s broader themes of self-determination and reflection.
Formed in 2021, Andhi & the O’Neills build on O’Neill’s background as a singer-songwriter while incorporating the raw energy of early rock and roll. Their music pulls from the melodic sensibilities of artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, the rhythmic looseness of Buddy Holly, and the introspective depth of indie acts like Elliott Smith. Their upcoming album, The Surprise Party, was recorded with a balance of vintage warmth and modern clarity, mastered by Heather Jones of So Big Auditory (MJ Lenderman, Ther, Sadurn). The record channels influences across decades, creating something both familiar and fresh.
“Blame it on the Weatherman” is a strong introduction to Andhi & the O’Neills’ sound—thoughtful yet energetic, nostalgic but not stuck in the past. The band’s mix of folk, classic rock, and indie influences gives them a distinct voice that feels lived-in and genuine. The Surprise Party arrives on April 11, 2025, via Mint 400 Records, and if this single is any indication, the album will be one worth listening to closely.
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