It's CMJ week in NYC (up through October 23). What does that mean for the city? Well, there's all different kinds of showcases and sets happening in a gaggle of different venues. What does that mean for us blog writers? Mountains of new material. While Quinn wades through some bodacious new albums for your listening and reading enjoyment, here's a quick look at Boston's The Hush Now.
MP3: The Hush Now - "Please Mephistopheles (Leave Me Alone)"
"Please Mephistopheles (Leave Me Alone)" is a pounding blues tune. Much of their material comes from founding member Noel Kelley. Kelley's lyrics are ghostly here, backed by fellow bandmates hooting into reverb (a la The Clash). There is an ominous sense of emotion as he beckons the coming storm.
While there isn't too much to speak of in dynamics (the song hits hard all the way through its 3 minute length until a delicate outro), there is something to be said for aesthetic. The Hush Now seem to have a good feel for what makes an intense blues rock track, with bass and drums tied together, shoving the song's progression outward with a notable power. The rhythm guitar chops away with the lead vibrating and soaring into noise during the bridge. There's a definite sense of drive here -- it'll be interesting to see where the band goes next (with CMJ down this week, and SXSW '10 already under their belts, keep an ear open).
The band is touring on their new self-released EP Shiver Me Starships (available now) and are actually making a stop in my hometown of Northampton, MA at The Elevens on November 14. Well-worth a stop for those of you who may read from the Pioneer Valley.
Quinn's post about "Vietnam Giraffe", lead single from the EP.
The Hush Now
Official Site
MySpace
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