Hate Drugs - rough daze

Hate Drugs

Rough Daze
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

From the name, I was unsure as to what was about to unfold upon pressing play on the recent release Rough Daze. Hate Drugs sounded a little punk rock or possibly alternative electronic. I was a little more on the mark with my second assumption, yet not quite in the wheelhouse. Hate Drugs is that kind of chill music that slowly bleeds a cooling vibe with it’s long paneling chords and understated rhythmic pulse.

It sounds like dreaming and you can’t help but want to close your eyes as if it will take you somewhere that was built in the song’s vision, clearly better than your own. Deepness by design is the new trend in electronic production whether it’s remix or purely chill. I’ve heard examples everywhere and I take to this variety of sound with new appreciation each time.

It was Ulrich Schnauss who first turned me on to the power of this seemingly passive genre that sits on the ears slowly and then turns it out with passionate and patient delivery. Hate Drugs make this technique the most effective on their opening track, “REM.” Going back to my dream reference, this song seems to follow suit in obvious fashion. It’s music like this that can open the mind beyond just aural stimulation. 

Sometimes it acts like a catalyst for a greater awareness in the listener that spreads out from the room and into life’s arena. As a consumers we sometimes forget music offers much more than most of our daily purchases can in terms of longevity, holistic attributes, and general mood improvement. 

For me, this album knocked on all three of those doors. Do yourself a favor and answer like I did. “Isotope” and “Relativity” take more left turns their predecessors, but it’s still an introspective journey and the vocals are near hypnotic with their delay and reverb. Rough Daze will take you where you want to go.

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