Hovland - s/t 7"
(Hope)
It is this writer's opinion that Hovland are Pittsburgh's finest indie rock band. For over
three years, Hovland have developed a style that mixes the songwriting skills of the Red
House Painters with classic indie rock musical structures that recall Hurl or Seam.
Unfortunately, their debut CD The Fortunate World of Affordable Fashion got poor
distribution, and they remain virtually unknown outside of Pittsburgh.
Hopefully (no pun intended), this new 7" on this new Pittsburgh label will get them some
of the exposure they deserve. This two-song affair captures the repetitive build/release
dynamics of "Five Days After a One Night Stand" backed with the moody "Note to Self."
Both songs clock in at around six minutes, stretching the vinyl.
On "One Night Stand" singer/guitarist Corey Layman sounds angrier than usual, with the
verse building into a catchy chorus. The tight rhythm section of Ephraim Hill and Mark
Carlisle keep things anchored well. Mark's drumming is definitely a sight to see.
"Note to Self" features Eph playing a very Joy Division-inspired bassline while Corey's
guitar dances around melodically. It's a very math-rock pop song that erupts in a
frenzied chorus. This 7" is a bit darker than I'm used to; while they are not strangers to
minor keys, Hovland usually are not as brooding as these two songs show them to be. I'm
waiting for a new full-length to really get these guys out into the national scene. Long live Hovland!
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