Oval Opus changes name to encompass new sound
By Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
November 1, 2007 | 8 a.m.
Oval Opus has produced melancholic electric pop-rock for almost 10 years. It has gained a huge fan base that continues to grow as the band stretches its touring area farther. Now, the band is evolving yet again by changing its name.
Oval Opus is defined as a never-ending evolving musical work. The band has done just that for its entire time together. Recently, Oval Opus added fiddle player and guitarist Mark Evitts to the mix, bringing a deep southern influence to their already popular hits. The band’s recent relocation to Nashville, Tenn., reinforces this influence.
“We are adding some banjo, mandolin, Dobro and a lot of kickin' harmonies," Dan Edmondson said. "Think Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts meets Tom Petty and The Counting Crows."
These changes have found Oval Opus looking for new beginning. They found their fresh start with a new name, "Scarlet Kings."
Scarlet Kings was chosen from countless entries that fans submitted through MySpace.
Josh R. from Nashville came up with the winning name.
“We all thought it was a unique name that brought back our roots (Ohio-Scarlet & Gray) and our move to the South," Edmondson said.
Edmondson added that the scarlet king snake (indigenous to the southeastern United States) is one of the most beautiful snakes in the world, and it does all its work at night.
"Kind of like a band," he said.
This change has been met with excitement as well as with resentment from fans. Many people are protesting the change. Fans have broadcast their reservations on the band’s MySpace profile, cutting down the new name and stating that they preferred "Oval Opus."
The band understands these reservations and hopes that fans will continue to support Oval Opus as it completes this transition. “Change is always going to be hard to accept," Edmondson said. "With every change some people will criticize. Hopefully, people will like the new music and accept Scarlet Kings as a band to reckon with in the future."
The band reinforces the fact that a change in name was necessary.
“The music that we are playing is completely different than what Oval Opus has been known to play. We are heading towards a more southern rock/country sound that would be hard for some people to accept as Oval Opus,” Edmondson said.
Scarlet Kings will release an album showcasing this sound in early 2008. Oval Opus continues to play live until this time, already employing its new, regal sound.
Many fans find themselves continually skeptical about the different direction Oval Opus is now taking. However, when attending a live show, the new energy and depth of the band’s sound is evident. Old songs have been re-worked in such a way that fans will wonder why they weren’t recorded that way in the first place. If Oval Opus can barrel through the difficult initial transition period, this new name is sure to treat them to even more success.
Oval Opus will be permanently known as Scarlet Kings in January. The band is getting the word out through MySpace, message boards, a new Web site and various media.
While the band is still technically touring as Oval Opus, its musical changes and evolution are already firmly in place. The band will be playing at Blue Gator Nov. 1 for the last time under its former name. Audience members can be a part of the band’s transition as they take down the Gator yet again.
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