Love the music from old school video games but are too embarrassed to rock them on your iPod?
The OneUps from Fayetteville, Ark., have a solution.
The seven-man group covers classic themes from Super Mario, Chrono Trigger, Zelda and more on their EP, Volume One, and give these songs a jazzy makeover.
The OneUps attempt a fresh take on Katamaritaino (Katamari Damacy). The song is already jazzy, so Mustin (who goes by just one name) keeps it simple on the piano, allowing Anthony Lofton to give the song some oomph on the sax and play up Rebekah Wood's vocals.
Isle Delfino (Super Mario Sunshine) has great energy. Tim Yarbrough's steel string guitar is perfect, while Greg Kennedy's violin is a great nod to original composer Koji Kondo's efforts.
Koopa Beach (Super Mario Kart) is reminiscent of Michael Bublé's Quando, Quando, Quando. The trademark hook is interwoven with William Reyes' nylon string guitar.
Bomberman (Bomberman) starts off sounding like a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. The violin is a little campy but overall Bomberman develops nicely and has a well-rounded finish.
The hilarity of Volume One is like an inside joke listeners will want to be a part of with the 16 tracks taking fans back to the days of their youth.
The OneUps will be performing Aug. 29 at the Penny-Arcade Expo in Seattle. Their sophomore album is expected to drop in September.
For more information, go to www.theoneups.com.
* Bethany Lee: 582-1465; blee@tricityherald.com