On Friday, Feb. 20, Minneapolis-based rock trio, the Over Unders, performed in The Cabin from 6-8 p.m. as part of the Cabin Concert Series.

The band is composed of two brothers, drummer Matthew Hellman and vocalist and guitarist Sam Hellman, as well as bassist Jake Marley.

During the two-hour set, the Over Unders played a variety of music from their discography — including their most recent album, Faces and Time — and covers of other bands.

“[Our music] is very Britpop with ‘90s alternative influences,” Matthew Hellman said.

Marley added that the English rock band Oasis has been a particular inspiration.

“I think that shines through the music a lot,” Marley said. “We like to do goofy Scottish accents and stuff like that just for ourselves.”

The Over Unders are based out of Minneapolis and have frequented venues in the Twin Cities, Madison and Green Bay, but the trio said that being back in Eau Claire has a special significance to them.

According to the Over Unders’ Facebook, most of the band is from Eau Claire.

“It’s just a fun flashback being here,” Matthew Hellman said. “We’ve lived in the cities now for over a year, so it’s always fun just to come back home.”

Marley said that he still lives in Eau Claire but was excited to be back on the university’s campus and to try one particular food he had been missing.

“I haven’t been on campus for probably five or six years,” Marley said. “I was really excited for the chicken tenders at Davies.”

In 2019, Sam Hellman told Volume One that the Over Unders started from his love of music and storytelling.

“This band came from a need to express myself and express my personal music interests,” Sam Hellman said in the article. “I write about everything under the sun. Lyrics come second to the melody when I write. I like telling stories that don’t necessarily have anything to do with me.”

Matthew Hellman said the trio has plans to work on upcoming music.

“In two weeks, we’re going to Indianapolis to make a record with a guy who had some influence in the ’90s,” Matthew Hellman said. “So, we’re excited to do that.”

According to UW-Eau Claire’s website, concerts have been taking place in The Cabin for over 57 years. 

“Past artists include Raffaella, Ella Jane, Jeremy Messersmith and Yam Haus,” the website stated. “You’ll hear some of Eau Claire and the surrounding area’s finest musical talent almost every weekend at The Cabin.”

The Cabin Concert Series is put on by the University Activities Commission (UAC), one of the 10 commissions managed by the Student Senate. 

According to the UAC website, this commission is integral to the live music, festival and movie events held around campus.

“Committee members select and publicize upcoming shows,” the website said. “All members assist show time production — working as stage crew, loading bands in and out, handling crowd control and sales. Shows include alternative, rock, reggae, hip-hop, blues, jazz, country, funk and beyond — there’s a show for everyone.”

The next Cabin Concert performance will take place on Friday, March 6, starring Eau Claire-based cover band Gaff Mountain. 

Garrison can be reached at [email protected].