‘Oom-pop’ comes alive in the latest album from The Extraordinaires, The Postcard EP.  What is Oom-pop? Think back to all those old movies and musicals, when circuses would travel from town to town. Remember the distant ‘oom-pah, oom-pah’ that echoed from afar as the troupe rolled into town?

That’s what The Extraordinaires have created- the feeling of a spectacle, a show contained in each song. The three tracks each have their own distinct flavor, beginning with a flourish of applause and cymbals. “The Big Show” is exactly that, a sprawling epic narrated by Jay Purdy’s vocals, as if he were the ringmaster announcing the attractions. It’s punctuated by awesome backing instrumentals and vocals, which appeals to any musical lover. What I am fascinated by is that this music does not feel contrived or jocular, as it very well could. Instead, it’s spellbinding, a la The Decemberists or Neutral Milk Hotel.

“Laugh Out Louder” is decidedly sweeter. It feels like a love song, but it’s nowhere near the sappy pop we’ve been (unfortunately) accustomed to lately. The song feels like a carousel ride, or maybe a Ferris wheel ride. There are moments where you go slowly, until you build up speed and spin round and round. The rollicking chorus and accompanying trumpet (played masterfully by Koofreh Umoren) do this beautifully.

“Parking Wars,” the third and final song on the EP, is totally different. It’s another story song, but it’s modernized while harking back to blues and ‘60s rock. I like the steel guitars and the energetic vocals.

All in all, The Extraodinaires are…well, extraordinary. They’ve managed to write a cohesive EP with three completely different songs, a feat I’d say measures up to the flying trapeze act. There’s a lot up in the air, and they don’t even need the net.

The Extraordinaires are touring the South and slowly working their way to the East coast. Listen for the “oom-pah” and step right up. You won’t be sorry.