Team Hot Press is saddened to hear that Belfast contenders Oppenheimer are calling it a day.
Rocky and Shaun are bowing out following their December 19 appearance at the Skibunny Nightmare Before Christmas Bash in the Spring & Airbrake. They also play an all-ages show in the venue earlier in the day.
“There will be a farewell EP, a digital release at the start of 2010,” reads an official communiqué. “A snapshot of where we had arrived at this point, as we have recently been working on new material. Further ideas that have been worked on will accompany Rocky on his journey to a new band, which in some ways has already started, as the songs and plot lines are already underway, as anyone who has witnessed Oppenheimer recently can no doubt testify.
“The reasons for this announcement are multiple yet highly intertwined. Ultimately, to be in any band you allow the band to consume you, becoming every particle of your existence, every aspect of your being, every thought that wakes you up early and every task that keeps you up late at night. The reward for such dedication and commitment, not to mention the hardship that goes hand in hand with making music for a living is the unrivalled joy and honour that fills your mind, body and soul by getting to do all the things that you can. The moment this joy falters, rocks or is jolted out of existence, the struggle is of no consequence or purpose.
“After five years together, recording and releasing two albums, playing hundreds of shows and touring with some of the greatest bands in the world, the level of commitment, passion and drive that one of us can give to the band has changed. It's an understandable occurrence and one that we're both delighted to address at this time. Shaun has realised that in order to fulfill his hopes and dreams he needs to take a new and different path in his life. Rocky's ideas, dreams and notions for writing, recording and touring are more alive and vibrant than ever. Due to these changing circumstances, we have decided to part ways.
“We have no idea if we will ever work together again, recording movie soundtracks, making ambient albums or even making indie pop songs. Who knows what tomorrow holds? For now, Oppenheimer have no plans to write, record or play together again after December 19th 2009. Our thanks and respect for every single person in the world who has done anything to help us is overwhelming, it always has been, it always will be.”
You can also catch the lads in The Forum, Waterford (December 12 + Bell X1); and Baker Place, Limerick (17); Mason’s, Derry (18, free show).