House of Heroes - The End is Not the End

[Chris Fallon]

House of Heroes - The End is Not the End
Record Label: Gotee Records
Release Date: September 23, 2008

These are troubled times we face in the world today. The turbulent stage we as not only a nation, but a world are currently helplessly cascading through is not easy. Lies fill the airwaves, trust for your government cannot be formed, truth is slowly dwindling away. What can we do, as citizens, to diminish our fears? What can we do to press on and keep hope alive?

We can press play.

That's right - we can find a proper soundtrack that fits into our woeful and dire needs of something strong, something fearless, something honest ... and House of Heroes just might be that answer we all need. The basic pop-music structure/formula is fading faster than the Yankees' payroll - and giving off about the same results: expecting something big, yet getting nothing in return. House of Heroes aims to change this notion with their (technically) fourth proper full-length release, The End is Not the End. Heck, it's right there in the album title: the end is not the end. Speaks volumes, doesn't it? The resurrection of one's true and eternal belief in all that is, will be and ever was ... in popular music. And life in general too, I guess.

Vocalist Tim Skipper (the "Skipman," as I like to call him) possesses a Jason Gleason-like power over this record; that is to say, he knocks this one outta the ballpark and unexpectedly delivers a beautiful prowess over these fourteen ("Intro" doesn't count) cuts. To add to his charm, he has a superb band behind him, layering walls of sound over walls of sound, like a band of brick masons. First single, "In the Valley of the Dying Sun," contains moments that sound like an orchestra of static and feedback over melodies and sonic bliss. If the Beatles (circa Sgt. Pepper) and Relient K got together ... I imagine this might be the result.

Let's say the big pop-punk hooks you'd find on any recent and tolerable (key word there) pop-punk record went back in time and mated with a classically-sonic 70's rock record. House of Heroes defied all space and time, and did just that with this album. The production doesn't hurt it either - it's obviously enhanced this band's sound, assisting them in reaching epic new heights. "Field of Daggers" is a soaring feat, accomplished by military-style marching beats courtesy of Colin Rigsby (I'm gonna call him "Rigs")and bombastic chants. "I see a new day coming / maybe tomorrow," the "Skipman" cries out - could this line be any more perfect right now?

"Dangerous" is a little bit rockabilly, a little bit soul, A.J. Babcock's bass lines swirling in-and-out, on-and-about; "Lose Control" is a blistering firestarter, laced with enthusiasm and adrenaline ("I run with the foxes / and roam with the hounds") and some wicked guitar lines courtesy of the "Skipman" and the second "Rigs," Jared; "Baby's a Red" is a track that speaks for the record, containing the lyric, "It's like McCarthy said: 'We may differ on religion, but we both support the working man.'" Signaling hope, reaffirmation and, above all, guidance, it's an indication that House of Heroes has made a record letting us know we're going through a lot together, and have been down rougher roads before.

Very few moments slow this record down. It's one hour of sizzling pop-punk/pop-rock heat that decimates everything left in its wake. Songs ricochet off one another, never stumbling or losing momentum, never sounding the same; it's a record with so much going for it, in terms of quality, quantity and intelligence, substance, etc. ... that it's destined to be the blueprint for how pop music can and should be done, but most likely won't.

Open your eyes, pop music creationists: this is how you do it right - this is the future! We don't need no "American Idol"! We don't need no thought control! Leave us kids alone! The End is just the beginning.

Jason Gleason; Relient K; intelligent pop music; the future of what music ought to be"Journey Into Space, Part One," "Baby's a Red" and "Field of Daggers"

1. Intro
2. If...
3. Lose Control
4. Leave You Now
5. Dangerous
6. In the Valley of the Dying Sun
7. Code Name: Raven
8. By Your Side
9. Journey Into Space, Part One
10. Sooner or Later
11. Baby's a Red
12. Drown
13. Faces
14. Voices
15. Field of DaggersTim Skipper: lead vocals/guitar
Colin Rigsby: drums/backing vocals
Jared Rigsby: guitar/backing vocals
A.J. Babcock: bass/backing vocals

Official Site (http://www.thehouseofheroes.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/houseofheroes)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GD1V94?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepun02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001GD1V94)

[Profess]

1st.

This album is absolutely ridiculous. No other album in it's genre will touch this, probably for years to come.

[TheHeretic]

I don't generally like pop punk and bands that use ostensible Christian messages in a non-charming way (e.g. 'Voices'), but this is just so incredibly solid and catchy. I've been playing this for the last few weeks and it still manages to get me in a good mood. Good review as well, although my album highlights are mostly to be found in the first half of the record.

[DI Pistola]

I'm still not 100% sold on this. Any way to get me to turn the corner?

[Chris Fallon]

I'm still not 100% sold on this. Any way to get me to turn the corner?
http://www.freehoh.com/

:shrug:

[Silver Wings]

By your side is brilliant.

Dont get me wrong, I love HOH.

But surely this review is slightly exaggerated.

[Chris Fallon]

By your side is brilliant.

Dont get me wrong, I love HOH.

But surely this review is slightly exaggerated.
I don't think so. It's easily one of the best and brightest pop albums to come onto the scene in some time. It's completely refreshing - I'd rank HoH up there with Jimmy Eat World as one of today's most intelligent and comprehensive pop bands.

[Inaction]

I don't generally like pop punk and bands that use ostensible Christian messages in a non-charming way (e.g. 'Voices'), but this is just so incredibly solid and catchy.

I guess subtly isn't their thing, but I couldn't agree more.

[genericmadness]

I liked their first album better... I just don't get this one, I guess. This seems to happen a lot.

[aboycandreamNJ]

It's great

[beans22]

This album blew me away. I can't believe they delayed the release of an album this good... I was starting to think it would never come out...

Field of Daggers is my favorite song so far...

[Snails]

Amazingly good review man, I may buy it based solely on this.

[rckstr29]

The Beatles and Relient K? I'm sold.

[irthesteve]

92%, i dunno about that....

[squared82]

Journey into Space gets stuck in my head for days. Definitely one of my favorite albums of the year.

[Indoor Living]

Hmm. Good reviews across the board. I'll have to check this baby out.

[mycuban]

i couldnt agree more, this record is absolutely brilliant.

[superBMRuth]

i've been a fan of the band for a few years. i was already looking forward to this, but more so know. good review.

[tacosforcharles]

Just got the album yesterday, SO good. Great review too, I agree 100%. I was just thinking yesterday how this album is my "Chase This Light" of 2008. Great pop/rock music.

[Plunk]

I'm discovering this band on their Myspace. Not bad at all. :-)

[S9Dallasoz]

It is quite good.

[meghanlail]

92? Wow...that's the highest rating I've seen on here in a long time.
But I adore HOH, so I'm suspecting it's worth it.
I am most definitely picking this up this week.

Oh, and fantastic review.

[llmp]

One of the few respectable pop rock bands. Haven't heard this album yet though.

[Jamos4184]

As far as the comparison to The Beatles meet Relient K, check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BuYYWA9WTo

Not the greatest audio quality, but you get the idea...

[saysmydoctor]

Jason Gleason? Oh I need to pick this up.

[richtiemann]

Great, great, great record. Have been waiting quite a while for this and it was well worth the wait!

[sevens]

Gosh these guys are the real deal - with so much cookie cutter garbage out their on the market - this is so refreshing!!!

[WhoSaidThat?]

In my top 15 for '08... so far.

[Phil507]

92? Really? This?

That's equivalent to a 4 and 1/2 star rating (out of 5).

[Heart-A-Tact]

I think I need to check this out.

[saysmydoctor]

92? Really? This?

That's equivalent to a 4 and 1/2 star rating (out of 5).
Splendid math.

[Here It Goes]

How do you guys all have this album already? I can't find a torrent anywhere.

[JaredRigsby]

WOW!
Thank you Chris... I must admit, after reading your Plain White T's album review yesterday I was a little worried about what you'd have to say about ours haha. All of us were blown away when we read it this morning.
Thank you so much. Your check is in the mail.

[megan0507]

I don't think so. It's easily one of the best and brightest pop albums to come onto the scene in some time. It's completely refreshing - I'd rank HoH up there with Jimmy Eat World as one of today's most intelligent and comprehensive pop bands.

I completely agree with you

[thriced.]

this album is, for lack of a better vocabulary, brilliant.

the underlying message of war in the majority of the songs is very well done.

epic? dare i say...

[Casanova, Baby!]

Top 5 of 2008, for damn sure.

[Mochem]

How do you guys all have this album already? I can't find a torrent anywhere.

http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=5233

[xlr8]

I MUST pick this up!!!

[Chris Fallon]

92? Really? This?

That's equivalent to a 4 and 1/2 star rating (out of 5).
One gold star for you!

WOW!
Thank you Chris... I must admit, after reading your Plain White T's album review yesterday I was a little worried about what you'd have to say about ours haha. All of us were blown away when we read it this morning.
Thank you so much. Your check is in the mail.
Rigs (may I call you that?), no problem at all. Hopefully you guys should know that you are on a much, much different tier than the fellas in PWTs. The more I spun this record, the more I heard that I felt was beautifully orchestrated. These are not your average pop songs - they are more than that. It's not just a record about spirituality and faith, but like I mentioned, it's about hope in troubled times and finding the light in a darkened time.

You are welcome, and be sure to tell the Skipman, the other Rigs and Babbabooie I said hello :biggrin:

[dpatrickguy]

I don't generally like pop punk and bands that use ostensible Christian messages in a non-charming way (e.g. 'Voices'), but this is just so incredibly solid and catchy. I've been playing this for the last few weeks and it still manages to get me in a good mood. Good review as well, although my album highlights are mostly to be found in the first half of the record.

i agree. this is easily one of my favorite albums in a long time, but "voices" made me kind of mad. It was a good song until the preacher part.

[Matthew Tsai]

NO! NOT relient k! haha. i can hear a bit of a matt theissen vibe in the lead's voice, but this really surpasses relient k's capability.

anyway, fantastic review

[Matthew Tsai]

How do you guys all have this album already? I can't find a torrent anywhere.



hahahahaha major thief fail

[JaredRigsby]

How do you guys all have this album already? I can't find a torrent anywhere.

I know, I can't find one anywhere either... bummer. I guess that means we're not very popular. Fortunately, we're just unpopular enough that no one is seeding our albums even if you do manage to find a torrent. But the sooner you help spread the word about our band, the sooner you'll be able to download it.

Rigs (may I call you that?), no problem at all. Hopefully you guys should know that you are on a much, much different tier than the fellas in PWTs. The more I spun this record, the more I heard that I felt was beautifully orchestrated. These are not your average pop songs - they are more than that. It's not just a record about spirituality and faith, but like I mentioned, it's about hope in troubled times and finding the light in a darkened time.

You are welcome, and be sure to tell the Skipman, the other Rigs and Babbabooie I said hello :biggrin:

After writing such a generous review, you may call me anything you like. I'm so glad that you got what we were going for with this record as a whole... finding light in the darkness, and all that good stuff. Please review the rest of our albums from now on, haha...
I'll send the boys your love. We're in the middle of recording some Beatles cover songs in Nashville at the moment. Goody gumdrops!

i agree. this is easily one of my favorite albums in a long time, but "voices" made me kind of mad. It was a good song until the preacher part.

We knew that part would upset some people, but we felt that it was perfectly in tune with the story of the song - basically about a dude who did a lot of terrible stuff in his life and feels awful and unforgiven for it all. And the guy talking is the pastor from our church in Columbus, so it has a special meaning to us as well. You can always plug your ears and hum really loudly during that part if it bugs you that much. On the flip side, we've heard some very encouraging things from people about that part of the song... and as we all know from reading any news thread on this site, it's impossible to please everyone. But we try to have a good balance of our personal faith in our songs, while not alienating anyone completely like lots of Christians do. If you like the rest of the song though, please come see us play it live. It sounds WAY bigger than the album, and doesn't have the preacher part. I'm thrilled to hear that you like the record as a whole though, thank you so much man!

[Chris Fallon]

I know, I can't find one anywhere either... bummer. I guess that means we're not very popular. Fortunately, we're just unpopular enough that no one is seeding our albums even if you do manage to find a torrent. But the sooner you help spread the word about our band, the sooner you'll be able to download it.



After writing such a generous review, you may call me anything you like. I'm so glad that you got what we were going for with this record as a whole... finding light in the darkness, and all that good stuff. Please review the rest of our albums from now on, haha...
I'll send the boys your love. We're in the middle of recording some Beatles cover songs in Nashville at the moment. Goody gumdrops!



We knew that part would upset some people, but we felt that it was perfectly in tune with the story of the song - basically about a dude who did a lot of terrible stuff in his life and feels awful and unforgiven for it all. And the guy talking is the pastor from our church in Columbus, so it has a special meaning to us as well. You can always plug your ears and hum really loudly during that part if it bugs you that much. On the flip side, we've heard some very encouraging things from people about that part of the song... and as we all know from reading any news thread on this site, it's impossible to please everyone. But we try to have a good balance of our personal faith in our songs, while not alienating anyone completely like lots of Christians do. If you like the rest of the song though, please come see us play it live. It sounds WAY bigger than the album, and doesn't have the preacher part. I'm thrilled to hear that you like the record as a whole though, thank you so much man!
Thanks for taking the time to explain yourselves to some members - very thoughtful of you.

I'm excited to hear the Beatles songs - which ones are you doing? There are definitely some moments here where you guys do some "Day in the Life" orchestrations and fiddle with the pop structure, which I love.

[JaredRigsby]

Thanks for taking the time to explain yourselves to some members - very thoughtful of you.

I'm excited to hear the Beatles songs - which ones are you doing? There are definitely some moments here where you guys do some "Day in the Life" orchestrations and fiddle with the pop structure, which I love.
My pleasure. We visit this site pretty much on a daily basis, so it's really exciting to see people are actually taking the time to listen to and talk about our music.
We're doing Can't Buy Me Love, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, and It Won't Be Long. And another song. We don't mess around...

[WhoSaidThat?]

My pleasure. We visit this site pretty much on a daily basis, so it's really exciting to see people are actually taking the time to listen to and talk about our music.
We're doing Can't Buy Me Love, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, and It Won't Be Long. And another song. We don't mess around...
Let's be best friends! :-)

0umQIQxfi1Q

[dpatrickguy]

I know, I can't find one anywhere either... bummer. I guess that means we're not very popular. Fortunately, we're just unpopular enough that no one is seeding our albums even if you do manage to find a torrent. But the sooner you help spread the word about our band, the sooner you'll be able to download it.



After writing such a generous review, you may call me anything you like. I'm so glad that you got what we were going for with this record as a whole... finding light in the darkness, and all that good stuff. Please review the rest of our albums from now on, haha...
I'll send the boys your love. We're in the middle of recording some Beatles cover songs in Nashville at the moment. Goody gumdrops!



We knew that part would upset some people, but we felt that it was perfectly in tune with the story of the song - basically about a dude who did a lot of terrible stuff in his life and feels awful and unforgiven for it all. And the guy talking is the pastor from our church in Columbus, so it has a special meaning to us as well. You can always plug your ears and hum really loudly during that part if it bugs you that much. On the flip side, we've heard some very encouraging things from people about that part of the song... and as we all know from reading any news thread on this site, it's impossible to please everyone. But we try to have a good balance of our personal faith in our songs, while not alienating anyone completely like lots of Christians do. If you like the rest of the song though, please come see us play it live. It sounds WAY bigger than the album, and doesn't have the preacher part. I'm thrilled to hear that you like the record as a whole though, thank you so much man!

Thanks for explaining that. I didn't mean it bothered me that much. It just stuck out i suppose. I want to see you guys at the Recher on the 22nd really badly, but its hard to make it across the bay on a school night. haha. You could just come to Easton then the problem would be solved. haha

[Ryzenfall]

We knew that part would upset some people, but we felt that it was perfectly in tune with the story of the song - basically about a dude who did a lot of terrible stuff in his life and feels awful and unforgiven for it all. And the guy talking is the pastor from our church in Columbus, so it has a special meaning to us as well. You can always plug your ears and hum really loudly during that part if it bugs you that much. On the flip side, we've heard some very encouraging things from people about that part of the song... and as we all know from reading any news thread on this site, it's impossible to please everyone. But we try to have a good balance of our personal faith in our songs, while not alienating anyone completely like lots of Christians do. If you like the rest of the song though, please come see us play it live. It sounds WAY bigger than the album, and doesn't have the preacher part. I'm thrilled to hear that you like the record as a whole though, thank you so much man!

Honest props for being real.
Just wanted to say I love this album more than I could have ever expected and I believe in what you are doing. Keep on rockin' awn.

[Viewtiful Joel]

Wow! This stuff is awesome! Usually when a band is described as pop punk i'm immediately turned off but i'm very glad i took a listen! I will be buying this soon.

[bloodyr0mance87]

really good review. i think i'm gonna check this out.

[Chriz2z]

My album of the year since March. "In The Valley Of The Dying Son" is very inspirational.

[JaredRigsby]

My album of the year since March. "In The Valley Of The Dying Son" is very inspirational.
Thanks man! Just wait til you see the video for it... It'll be out in about a week.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

I didn't really caught on with this band with their first album...

...but I will definitely give these guys another listen.

[ExplodingStereo]

These guys have struck me as a peculiar, yet catchy pop-punk band since I saw them accidentally a couple of years ago (yes, it was by accident. long story) But this album totally deserves a 92%, it's surprisingly different for a lot of music out there, but still enormously catchy and great. One of my favorites at this point is "Baby's A Red". The concept is hilariously original, the lyrics are even funnier, and it's just such a catchy song. It gets my vote for the next single.

"Voices", when I heard it for the first time, struck me as a weird one. The creepy choir backing the chorus had me laughing a bit and thinking of Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque rock opera, but the pastor part is someone unsettling, even for someone with a somewhat faith. I think it's meant to freak you out because the character in the song is so blind and screwed up in life, and the pastor part, I believe, serves as the intervention, saying that he needs to accept forgiveness. I bet Jared could tell it better that I could, but it's undeniable that it's one of the most powerful songs on the record, behind "Field of Daggers" and "In the Valley of the Dying Son".

[handlikesecret]

great review. brilliant album, one of the best of the year in my opinion.

[cscwell107]

Great album! Def in my top five for the year

[Chriz2z]

Thanks man! Just wait til you see the video for it... It'll be out in about a week.
I've seen the teaser, and it looks very intriguing. I can't wait.

[Matthew Tsai]

officially album of the year

[Enoch Ching]

Yeah this album, unlike maybe Schwayze (he's good, not knocking on him), has something to say. I have been completely touched by Field of Daggers, which after listening a few times, my father has decided to return to church. I am amazed - I never knew God could work so strongly through music and especially through rock. You have changed my life House of Heroes - and I mean it in every sense of the word. I see a new day coming - but it's today.

[cereal4life]

I really want to buy this album but I really doubt it's out in Australia.

[ExplodingStereo]

I really want to buy this album but I really doubt it's out in Australia.

Only way you can buy it for now is via iTunes, so you should be set.

[cassusriff]

Sometimes you take a chance on a band you've heard very little of and it pays off.

THIS is definitely one of those times. This album might creep into my top 10 this year, and by the end of year I will have bought almost 100 albums. Absolutely stunning how pop-punk can sound this good. Awesome album and VERY awesome review.

[Chris Fallon]

Sometimes you take a chance on a band you've heard very little of and it pays off.

THIS is definitely one of those times. This album might creep into my top 10 this year, and by the end of year I will have bought almost 100 albums. Absolutely stunning how pop-punk can sound this good. Awesome album and VERY awesome review.
I love replies like this -- so glad you took a chance, man. You rule dude -- and thank you!

[WhoSaidThat?]

Sometimes you take a chance on a band you've heard very little of and it pays off.

THIS is definitely one of those times. This album might creep into my top 10 this year, and by the end of year I will have bought almost 100 albums. Absolutely stunning how pop-punk can sound this good. Awesome album and VERY awesome review.
You can literally say that again.

[cassusriff]

I love replies like this -- so glad you took a chance, man. You rule dude -- and thank you!

No problem man. I love your reviews.

You can literally say that again.

I will. One of the best albums of 2008. Definitely a band that deserves some recognition.

[WhoSaidThat?]

No problem man. I love your reviews.



I will. One of the best albums of 2008. Definitely a band that deserves some recognition.
:beerbros:

[Enoch Ching]

Only way you can buy it for now is via iTunes, so you should be set.

the album's also coming out as a music cd in february.

[sidekicksuicide]

wow. I just got this today (in physical format from a show) and it blows me away. Now I don't have to listen to the full album stream over and over.

one of the best of the year

[PHeller]

Good variety and good vocals, combined with catchy lyrics in some songs and deep lyrics in others.

Great album.

[Jamos4184]

Only way you can buy it for now is via iTunes, so you should be set.


Not true, you can also order it from their online Merch Store, or at a live show. Although for that guy in Australia, I'm not sure either of those options are viable.

[ExplodingStereo]

Not true, you can also order it from their online Merch Store, or at a live show. Although for that guy in Australia, I'm not sure either of those options are viable.

I forgot to mention it's on their tour, but also, there was a pre-order to get just a physical copy or a t-shirt/CD combo (I got the combo) on Zambooie. Not sure if that was international or not, but that would have been a good option. If you're not able to see them live, iTunes is your only bet until February.

Oh, and Jamos4184's avatar owns completely. I really like Farewell Flight, just heard of them a month ago.
(http://absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=181432)

[WhoSaidThat?]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/sunshine0623/tv.jpg
Anyone know of a show called "of"?:shrug:

[i_am_a_pirate]

IMMENSE!!
And if you ghuys havn't noticed: the music player's gone down up to 'baby's a red'
however....
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/thedrop.php
it's there

This is by far my favourite album since 2000: I can't stop listening 2 it! Great review!

Josh

[Enoch Ching]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/sunshine0623/tv.jpg
Anyone know of a show called "of"?:shrug:
nice. i applaud you. just stick in an 'of' with Paint or photoshop..not too hard

[dangerofthought]

This is, as Jesusfreakhideout.com puts it, easily the best pop-rock (and I pin HoH down to one genre very hesitantly) the best album of 2008. There is honestly no downside to this album. Tom's vocals are absolutely incredible and the fact that the entire band (including drummer Colin Rigsby) is miked is pure gold, especially when all four members sing and harmonize.

I personally enjoy "If...", "Lose Control", "Code Name: Raven", and "Field of Daggers".

[Bostancic25]

I hven't been moved this much by an album since The Everglow. The End Is Not The End is up there with the best '08 had to offer!

[B.G.]

I hven't been moved this much by an album since The Everglow. The End Is Not The End is up there with the best '08 had to offer!
completely agree

[Nick Le]

WOW!
Thank you Chris... I must admit, after reading your Plain White T's album review yesterday I was a little worried about what you'd have to say about ours haha. All of us were blown away when we read it this morning.
Thank you so much. Your check is in the mail.
I LOVE YOU.

I love this album so much. Can't wait for the re-release.

[Super Norg]

Ive been following HOH ever since Say No More and i have to say i never expected this album to be as good as it is, no offense. This album showed so much maturity and talent that it completely took me by surprise... rarely have i ever absolutely loved every single song on a CD like i have with this one. Easily my top album of '08 and i havn't stopped listening to it since it came out. Way to go House of Heroes! You Guys ROCK and deserve so much more recognition then you get. We need stuff like this on the radios more often... im sick of the generic crap that gets pumped out everyday by bands who dont try to do anything great or different

[parawhore10]

this album is fucking brilliant

[fran.182]

I'll finally check this out.

Excited, after what I've read here.

[what_ever]

I need to spin this a few times this week. Great album.

[pleasedontpanic]

I don't think so. It's easily one of the best and brightest pop albums to come onto the scene in some time. It's completely refreshing - I'd rank HoH up there with Jimmy Eat World as one of today's most intelligent and comprehensive pop bands.
I've had this since it was first originally released, and have loved it since then. But, I have been listening to it non-stop for the last week and have to the conclusion that this was AOTY for 2008. Period. No questions asked. The most brilliant pop-rock album in a long time.

[freakedmusic]

im in love with everything about this album....Ghost, Code Name Raven, In the Valley, whats next HOH...I can't wait...

p.s if you dont have the Beatles 3 songs they did you are missing out on House of Heroes completely

[salter2411]

So many good songs. And so many great songs. Ergo, great album. Yeah I just said ergo.