Hudson Valley folk-rock band Andhi & The O’Neills is set to release their debut album The Surprise Party on April 11, 2025, through Mint 400 Records. Ahead of the full-length’s release, the band is unveiling its first single, "Sublet My Heart," a song that showcases their mix of melodic pop, introspective folk, and early rock influences like Buddy Holly or more recent acts like She & Him.
Led by singer-songwriter Andhi O’Neill (formerly of Origami Sun), the four-piece band includes Austin Kopec (Austin Kopec Band) on lead guitar and keys, Stefano Luigi Guida (The Veggies) on bass, and Greg Hanson (The Mad Doctors) on drums. Their sound is both warm and raw, blending elements of classic songwriting with the loose, dynamic energy of a live band. The Surprise Party was recorded, produced, and mixed by Seth Applebaum of Ghost Funk Orchestra and mastered who put an amazing polish a very stripped down mostly jangly acoustic band. The vocals at times drenched in reverb really stand out on top of each song as it's centerpiece separating Andhi from the pack. Especially with mellow music if the voice isn't interesting like a Nick Drake or Leonard Cohen there's no reason to listen. Andhi's vocals sit more though somewhere between a more sincere Stephen Malkmus and Elliott Smith.
"Sublet My Heart" sets the tone for what listeners can expect from The Surprise Party. The song carries a steady rhythm, subtle harmonies, and a natural flow that recalls the stripped-down sincerity of folk legends like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell while incorporating the melodic depth of indie rock. The instrumentation feels effortless, with crisp guitar lines and organic percussion supporting O’Neill’s reflective lyrics. The track captures the feeling of transition and emotional uncertainty, all wrapped in a melody that lingers after the first listen.
The album as a whole pulls from a wide range of influences, from early rock & roll pioneers like Buddy Holly and Ray Charles to indie rock storytellers like Pavement and Elliott Smith. The band’s commitment to live recording techniques gives the songs an intimate, immediate feel, making The Surprise Party a record that values authenticity over polish.
Andhi & The O’Neills bring a fresh perspective to folk rock by embracing both the tradition of storytelling and the looseness of garage rock energy. "Sublet My Heart" is an inviting introduction to their debut, proving that honest songwriting and unfiltered emotion still have a place in today’s music.
