As a perk and a "thank you" to fans for preordering their album Oh! Gravity., San Diego rock outfit Switchfoot offered an exclusive 3-song EP entitled Oh!. The EP boasts three tracks not available anywhere else, including two b-sides and an acoustic version of the title track from the new record.

While the full-length album was sort of an array of sounds, styles and moods accumulating to a mixed bag of oddities and experimentation, the EP provides two examples of the overall feel of that record - complimented by the acoustic bonus. The opener, "The Sound In My Mouth" continues the raw, unbridled, and spastic energy that the heights of such points on the full-length reached. Lyrically, the song delves into the troubles of the tongue and how hard it can be to get out the two little words "I'm sorry" despite how bold the rest of our speech can be. As frontman and lyricist Jon Foreman belts out the titular words, his exasperated inflection actually fits for the frustration he's trying to convey. While the words may be a bit awkward for a chorus, Foreman is able to make it work as best as it can in its context. I can see why it was b-side, but the message is a strong one. The other b-side, "C'mon C'mon" is a bit more valuable in its melodic nature (perhaps its melodic presence clashed with the anti-melodies of songs like "Let Your Love Be Strong") and its encouragement to get off our seats and pursue our dreams. It all ends somewhat appropriately with a stripped down acoustic version of "Oh! Gravity." that serves as a nice precursor for the full-length. The only thing missing from the EP is the beautiful gem "Revenge" which the band is offering with the purchase of the full album as a downloadable bonus track. Why it wasn't seen fit enough to make the final product, or at least this EP, I don't know. But the track takes a look into the inner battles of self and the spiritual war within. For fans, it's worth buying the album just to get the download.

The Oh! EP may not be available with a preorder anymore, but should you find it at a show or through a used music vendor, it shouldn't be missed. I'm sure it'll end up being a sought-after collector's item in the years ahead.

- Review date: 12/30/06, written by John DiBiase