Op-Operator (official video):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwewKpghMU
The Shang Hi Los dial up a lively power-pop connection with ‘Op-Operator’ - KnyvetPR:
knyvet.substack.com/p/the-shang-hi-los-dial-up-a-lively
"The Shang Hi Los released one of the best albums of 2023, and have returned with an insanely catchy slice of power pop. ‘Op- Operator’ flaunts Cars-esque handclaps and keys against a muted guitar that borrows heavily from other new wave and power pop sounds from the early 80s. With a familiar melody in place, Dan Kopko adds a slightly scratchy vocal which is offset by a superb melody from Jen D’Angora. Between them, they create something that’s perfect for their style. Better still, there’s an incessant hook that runs throughout the number. The chorus line works the harmonies perfectly, and its stuttering lyric allows for an earworm that provides a cheeky twist on a tried and tested, wordless “bah-bah”. If you liked the Shangs before, you’ll love this. If you’ve missed the band previously, you’ll love this. It’s their best tune to date – and they likely know it." - Real Gone
"Oh hey! The Shang Hi Los have a new video! The video, filmed at Stereo Jack’s Records in Somerville (Check ’em out here and here) by Joan Hathaway, is as playful as the Retro-Pop soundtrack it provides the visuals for with D’Angora as the coolest Record Store clerk ever following the storyline of the song to a tee. If you grew up in a time when music videos were just becoming the thing and mostly fun mini-movies (ZZ Top and Huey Lewis and the News’ ’80’s eyefuls definitely come to mind) then this one’s for you. And if you didn’t grow up then and just dig a good time with a kickass soundtrack then this is also for you." - Rock And Roll Fables
"We love everything about both the video and single for 'Op-Operator'... The Shang Hi Los are world class musicians with a world class sound. And… now a world class video." - The Whole Kameese
"It’s been over a year since the The Shang Hi Los' album Aces Eights & Heartbreaks came out. Their new song “Op-Operator” is a welcome reminder of how satisfying and well done their pop song artistry is. The song hits so many pleasure buttons it’s hard to stop and dissect the magic." - Boston Groupie News
"Hey kids, are you ready for some perfect pop? Just in time for Daylight Saving, "Op-Operator" will spring you out of your winter blahs with its upbeat melodies and earworm chorus." - Lord Rutledge
"These Boston rockers let the good times roll. Op-Operator is a dynamite power pop tune that gets you out of your bed, after a night on the town and triggers your limbs to start partying all over again." - Turn Up The Volume
"Rollicking riffs, hearty drums, handclaps, sprightly duet vocals, 60s glam harmonies, and a ridiculously sticky chorus will make you jump around the room like a kangaroo. Op-op-op-op-op-operator. Glorious heartbreaker." - Turn Up The Volume
"“Op-Operator” is the song in question and it’s a banger in the vein of Rick Springfield, The Beach Boys, or The Cars’ more radio-friendly singles with an infectious chorus at its’ heart delivered with an elegant exquisiteness by Jen D’Angora (Vocals, Guitar), Chad Raleigh (Guitar), Lee Harrington (Bass, Vocals), Dan Kopko (Vocals, Guitar), and Chuck Ferreira (Drums). It’s a nostalgic sugary sweet Pop love song with a twist made all the more memorable by D’Angora and Kopko’s dual vox at the core while Ferreira and Harrington provide the booming backbeat with Raleigh (And Kopko and D’Angora) laying down the steady strums." - Rock And Roll Fables
"We Are Absolutely Hooked On The New Single “Op-Operator” From The Shang Hi Los. The Shang Hi-Los are without question an amazing band and their killer new track “Op-Operator” is absolutely an irresistible fun track that we can’t get enough of." - The Whole Kameese
"The Shang Hi Los "They return with another happy melody of perfect pop and an infectious chorus." - Exile SH Magazine
"I'm a huge supporter of the Boston garage rock/power pop scene, and one of my favorite bands is The Shang Hi Los. Their latest single, "Op-Operator," is just pure power pop bliss. It's a wonderfully sugary sweet track with big guitars and keyboards. Plus, in a genre defined by catchy songs, it doesn't get much catchier than "Op-Operator."" - If It's Too Loud
"There's just no denying that Dan Kopko and Jen D'Angora as songwriting collaborators and co-lead singers have something special going on. "Op-Operator," with its blend of new wave synths and classic pop sensibilities, is a vintage Shang Hi Los number and a surefire indie smash hit. The song puts a clever twist on the "boy meets girl" theme." - Faster And Louder
"Last year 'Aces Eights And Heartaches', The Shang-Hi Los, latest album, made it to the number two position of my favourite albums of 2023. Here is the first new song by the band since then. Once again that pop feel the Boston band is able to give its rock songs is present, so so sugar sweet. The solid rock at the heart of Op-Operator, is embellished by great harmonies that go all through the song. The title is simply almost everywhere. I won't go as far as compare it to The Beach Boys but the influence is undeniable. The handclaps are the second element providing pop. The synth playing that little melody is a third. Boston rock comes through in the link to The Cars' new wave/pop phase of the late 70s, also present in the synth. The Shang-Hi Los in Op-Operator do it again. Adding quality to things that are there already for decades in a genre where all seemed said and done. No, it is not and this band proves the point with flair." - WoNo Blog
BOSTON, Mass. [March 20, 2024] -- It’s a tale as old as time: Boy meets girl, boy gets girl’s number, and boy calls girl – but things ultimately don’t go as planned. That’s at the connective core of The Shang Hi Los’ infectious new single “Op-Operator,” hitting the streams on Friday, March 8 via Rum Bar Records before the Joan Hathaway-directed music video takes the Boston rock and roll and power-pop band deep into one of the city’s most beloved record stores on March 20.
Marking The Shang Hi Los first dedicated dose of new music since last year’s debut album Aces Eights & Heartbreaks, the glossy and hook-laden “Op-Operator” showcases what the supergroup does best – linking up the retro-pop melodic cool of yesterday with a super polished and modernized sound narrated by our vulnerable human impulses. And here, it’s all about looking for love amongst stacks of vinyl – and finding something else entirely after that first connection is made.
Listeners around New England have been phoning up The Shang Hi Los since their inception a few years ago. “Op-Operator” is the first in a series of forthcoming new singles and videos, all released by Rum Bar Records, further showcasing the band’s solidified 2024 lineup of Kopko (Watts, The Peppermint Kicks); co-vocalist and co-guitarist Jen D'Angora (Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, The Dents); bassist Lee Harrington (The Neighborhoods); drummer Chuck Ferreira (Eddie Japan); and guitarist Chad Raleigh (The Rationales).
“This is the sound and feeling that is fundamental to the band – upbeat, hooky, rich with layers of harmonies and guitars, and solid backbeat,” says D’Angora, who describes “Op-Operator” as “an instant mood booster” with its March release “timed perfectly for escaping the doldrums of winter.” Adds Kopko: “It's been almost a year since our last release, so yeah, we are so ready to push some fresh music out there, like lilies from the frozen ground.”
released March 8, 2024
Dan Kopko: Vocals, Guitars, Synth
Jen D'Angora: Vocals, Guitar
Lee Harrington: Bass, Vocals
Chuck Ferreira: Drums
Chad Raleigh: Guitars
Written by Dan Kopko, Jen D'Angora
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Danny The K
Drums recorded at Mad Oak Studios by Benny Grotto. All else recorded by Danny The K and The Magic Suitcase.
Video directed and shot by Joan Hathaway - special thanks to Nicole Tammaro and Chris Anzalone (Stereo Jack's Records) for use of the venues!
