Hey, blogspot readers,
SouthSide recently met another up and coming local band in which she
highly suggests checking them out at their next live performance or
their music online. If you like your rock “...noisy, loud with
melodies intact...” with the unique mix of 80s and early 90s, then
Hospital Garden is the perfect band for you. According to the band’s
press release, they’re a “...tried and true power trio...” that
features front man, Lucas Hollow on vocals and a pop core “...wrapped
in the unassuming dirty frustration of an era when Reagan anguish had
yielded to resigned Reagan fatigue...” To SouthSide’s ears while
listening to Hospital’s latest album – Mover, they sounded angry
...rebellious teens looking to upset the norm of the established
rock/alternative scene. Give this band a chance, blogspot readers,
they might just do that amidst their gritty aggressive and loud
sound.
Having shared the stage
with other acts like Evan Dando, Mate Bonding, and Diarrhea Planet,
SouthSide in a recent interview with front man Lucas asked where did
the band get their name. “...The band name comes from one of my
favorite writers, William Carlos Williams...” he says, “...He has
a really wonderful poem called The Mental Hospital Garden that
I swiped the name from...” He also disclosed to this reviewer the
band has been compared to Dinosaur Jr. however he doesn’t feel the
two are exactly like though noting there might be similarities
between them. Yet, the one thing he wants blogspot readers to
remember about Hospital Garden is – it’s a trio with loud guitar,
heavy distortion and catchy melodies. SouthSide definitely could hear
that distinction during the first track of Mover called Half Of It in
which Lucas recommends listening to first. It was a good indicator of
what this band and its music was all about, blogspot readers. Loud is
putting it nicely ...it was boisterously intense as the ear felt as
well as heard the gritty electric riffs coupled with an ear-piercing
feedback and pounding drums. Don’t take this as harsh criticism –
this is the type of music the band wants to convey to its audience.
And believe it or not, amidst the noise and distorted confusion,
there are melodies and backing vocals by bassist Sarah which tends to
balance everything out. This reviewer also recommends checking out
track 3 – Berlin (liking the harsh guitar sound within an upbeat
pop sound) , track 8 – Bummin’ (bursts with that 80s pop sound as
Lucas feverish spews the mumblings of lyrics) and track 9 –
Pragmatics (featuring Sarah on lead while there’s some distorted
feedback screeching behind her some times). Those who enjoy some
ragin’ screamo of intense anger and frustration within a punk sound
should hone their ears to track 10 – Crypt and Code.
SouthSide then asked
for Lucas’ opinion about Chicago’s local music scene to which he
replied “...it's deep and wealthy, but still disjointed...”
before also adding “...There are so many bands here, and so many
good ones at that. One could never get around to checking them all
out.” SouthSide knows that feeling all too well. He duly noted what’s really disappointing about the scene
itself, blogspot readers, the lack of camaraderie stating it’s not
intentional but in his opinion, if Chicago had that small town
atmosphere with its music scene, it would be great. “...Chicago’s
not a small town but I feel it’s an obtainable goal...” That
being said, she asked what’s one of the main reasons (besides the
music) he could attribute fans returning to Hospital Garden show. He
emphatically stated “...because they’re our friends!” According
to the front man, a lot of people who attend their knows them
personally and continue to support the band due to an established
relationship. Even other bands they have shared the stage with also
come out to their shows but as far as the people they don’t know,
he has an interesting theory about why they return to see Hospital
Garden. “...I believe that they return due to the energy and
intensity we put into shows...” because they (the band) goes out
there to get loud and sweaty. If you want to see Hospital Garden live
and in action, head out to Schuba’s on Saturday June 22 for a
matinee show starting at 2:30p where they will be opening for
Forgetters (ex Jawbreaker, Jets to Brazil).
Like any other One On
One interview, SouthSide’s time with the band is quite limited but
before leaving she asked if Lucas had any other parting words. He had
one simple request – “...please listen to us...”
Mover
Hospital Garden
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
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