“Sacred Snail”

Oil in the Alley

(Impoverished Records)

Improvisational comedy/theater groups use audience suggestions to create unique one-time-only performances. Improv veterans R. Kevin Garcia Doyle (vocals) and Sean T.C. O’Malley (guitar) have taken improv beyond theater with their improvisational rock band. Doyle and O’Malley are the group’s lyricists and primary composers. Bassist Bri X gets writing credits for a couple of tunes, and drummer Dan Cutter joins the other three in arranging them.

The album is a souvenir of an evening in the KTUH studios. The group explains in the liner notes that “Oil in the Alley performs all original music with spontaneous improvised lyrics,” so the versions of these songs heard here will probably never be heard again in performance. Giving credit where it’s due, these guys can play solid mainstream rock.

Doyle and O’Malley talk at length between each song. Their conversation sounds like it was spontaneous as well.

Visit reverbnation.com/oilinthealley.

“Puhemo Ku‘u Home”

Brandon No‘eau Serrano

(no label)

Brandon No‘eau Serrano is a member of a Hawaiian trio, but he steps forward here as a solo recording artist with his band mates’ support. Christian Legaspi and Andrew “Kona” Purdy, the other two-thirds of the group, are his backing vocalists. Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Eric Lee sits in on bass and lead guitar.

Serrano’s lyrics describe a decision many Hawaii residents are confronted with at some point in life. Do you stay here in the place you love or leave it to be with the person you love? Serrano translates “puhemo” as “letting go,” and his song — soothing yet definitely bittersweet — speaks eloquently for those who choose reluctantly to leave.

The lyrics and their English translations are available on the group’s website.

Visit puuloamusic.com.