Despite what the name suggests, "indie rock" is rarely independent in either style or label backing. The phenomenal and unexpected success of Nirvana clued the major labels into the fact that they were becoming fossils and the search to find the next group of grunge rocking shoe gazers who could move at least a million units was on. Sadly, the outcome of this (in typical industry fashion) has been that the majority of what falls under the category of "indie rock" sounds as much the same as the new wave pop bands or arena rockers they were supposed to be the cure for.
Occupying their own singular niche in this confusing scenario, San Francisco's Hugh consistently fulfills the implicit promise of "indie rock," releasing records that stretch the boundaries of the genre without falling prey to masturbatory and pointless experimentation, writing songs that strip away the studied distance and cool detachment that is the primary affect of most of their peers. Their greatest achievement so far is the seven song EP Lucky Drive, a beautiful and engaging album that benefits greatly from repeated listenings and holds up to scrutiny on just about every level.
Lucky Drive is framed by two of Hugh's best songs, "Ruby Cruiser" and "East of Reno," (the latter penned by bassist Murray) both sprawling collages of guitar noise and fascinating sounds held together by a strong melody and the backing of Murray and Foster. Hugh's ethos is perhaps best personified by the opening lyrics of another of the album's strong cuts, "Little A," which swings effortlessly between piano ballad, country rocker, and blazing punk attack: "I was made with a silver tongue / makes the truth come all undone / "A" you're little, but still you're grand / but you're making me feel like a two inch man."
Hugh's forte is the interplay between delicate passages and brawny guitar attacks, brilliantly anchored by the dynamic drumming of Gavin Foster and bassist John Murray. Principal songwriter and singer Dave Rosenheim is that rarest of talents in this day and age, unafraid to wear his emotions on his sleeve without pretension or self-pity, and observant without being gratuitously cynical.
If you like Hugh, check out:
Dinosaur Jr. You're Living All Over Me
Neil Young
Slint Spiderland
Hugh Brave Little Soldier
psst...you might wanna check out our indie rock abode for more features on (guess what) indie rock bands.
-- Dave Rosen
