Austin, Texas is arguably the hottest American music town after Nashville, and for evidence you need look no further than Die Hard Habits. They are a post-punk band that calls its music “a product of our independent spirit and a desire to challenge the norms with a sound defined by angular guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines and propulsive rhythms.” They’ve just released two new singles titled “Tell The Neighbors” and “Hey You.”
Though I don’t have any member names, this appears to be a four-piece group featuring guitar, bass, drums and lead vocals. The band states that they draw inspiration from “the pioneers of post-punk, while infusing (that sound) with our own restless creativity.” Lyrically the band delves into “themes of societal disillusionment and personal struggles, aiming to provoke introspection and reflection.” They take pride in being part of the vibrant Austin music scene, “carving our own path and leaving an authentic mark on the independent music landscape.” This review is informed by both the new singles and two previous demo releases, all on Spotify. “Tell The Neighbors” begins with razor-sharp guitar chords that somehow meld with the lead vocals into one phasing, fuzzy stew of sound. The drums are a bit more traditional but set the pace with force and precision, while the bass is like a tumbling waterfall of thunderous notes. When the verses actually begin, the singing is a bit more punk-traditional and it even sounds like there’s a female harmony back there. The chorus is very funny though I’m not exactly sure what the narrator wants to tell the neighbors. Not to bother him when they hear raucous lovemaking next door? (Sorry, my mind is in the gutter!). There’s also an overdubbed lead that sounds like a sitar through a fuzz box; very cool! It occurred to me about 2/3 through that the sharp beats have more than a little in common with reggae. The final verse is preceded by shouts of “Go! Go! Go!” similar to the old “Oi!” punk chants. I was excited at first that “Hey You” might be a Pink Floyd cover, but it’s a Die Hard Habits original. It starts unexpectedly sounding very much like the Donovan classic “Season of the Witch” and in fact you could easily sing that song over this one. But the song presented here has its own charms, like shimmery guitars in both speakers, heartfelt lead vocals, laconic but endearing chorus voices and a killer hard-rocking second chorus while the singer pleads through some kind of public address system. Very different from the first track but already indicative of the band’s range and talent. These are just the two songs I got for review, but if you check the band’s Spotify page, you’ll fine three additional “demo” tracks that totally kick ass without a bunch of studio trickery. They’re loud and overloaded but the riffs are sublime and the off-kilter singing exactly what we’ve come to expect, with touches of both Sebadoh and Husker Du. Instead of my recommending just the singles, seek these guys out and listen to whatever you can. It’s worth it!
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