Although they hail from Belfast, Ireland, electro-pop duo Oppenheimer is quite accustomed to rocking out in State College.
The band will play their sixth gig in State College since 2006 at 8 tonight at Chronic Town, 224 W. College Ave.
Rocky O'Reilly, Oppenheimer's sole percussionist, who also lends a hand with guitar and keyboards, said the band's first show in State College was just by chance, and now it is a must-stop destination on every tour the band headlines.
"We have a great time playing in State College because we get such a great crowd response," he said.
Oppenheimer performed at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., this past September as the opening band on the They Might Be Giants tour, which recently ended.
O'Reilly said touring as an opening band was a great experience, but touring solo is nice because the band can perform sets more than 30 minutes long and because it can play old favorites as well as songs from its new album.
The album, Take the Whole Midrange and Boost It, will be the group's second and is scheduled for release on June 3.
O'Reilly said the album is a bit "harder hitting" than the band's first and features friends from Belfast performing extra guitars, strings and vocals on numerous tracks.
"It's a bit more like our live show. It has more kick to it," he said. "We're excited for people to hear it."
O'Reilly said the band will be playing songs from the new album at tonight's Roustabout!, and the member's are eager to hear the fan response.
Eric Myers (senior-chemistry) said he is an Oppenheimer fan and is looking forward to getting his hands on the new CD, as well as seeing the band live at the show.
"They are really energetic and they get into their music," he said. "They really get the crowd involved and transfer their energy."
Oppenheimer is grateful to fans like Myers here in the United States who have been receptive to its music.
"I think we've been lucky. People in the states are much more interested in different types of music, and there are a lot more outlets for it. People in the UK tend to just follow the trends," O'Reilly said.
Jesse Ruegg, Roustabout! promoter, said Oppenheimer should credit itself for the band's popularity.
"They're a two-piece band, which is rare, but they are able to get such a full sound that makes it seem like the band is bigger," he said.
"Their unique electro-pop genre also draws people to them and makes the band stick in their minds."
