nikolaistr. 59
leipzig
HASSLE HOUND
15.11.2006, 20:00 UHR
"Ramshackle Glaswegian [Glasgow based] sound collectors Hassle Hound finally bring the post-folktronic, cut'n'paste, strummy-hummy jams on this impossibly blessed full-length. With neighing horses, boinnnng-ing springs, and flamenco and psychedelic guitars, Hassle Hound is the musical equivalent of a Valhalla-esque flea market crossed with a super-group of every charismatic, story-hoarding uncle the world has known." (Brion Paul, www.xlr8r.com)"
The mighty and mysterious Hassle Hound conjure up a sophisticated mess of complimentary contradictions, voraciously sampling everything in their paths. The band was formed around four years ago with core members: Tony Swain (guitar, loops, samples) Mark Vernon (loops, samples, electronics and balloons) and Lizzy Swimmers (Violin & Vocals) occasionally aided and abetted by David Fulford (keyboards & electronics). Over their short but prolific career they have built an impressive and eclectic body of material inviting comparisons to artists as diverse as The Books, The Durutti Column, This Heat and soundtracks to films such as the Wickerman, Midnight Cowboy and the work of Ennio Morricone.
They create a music of accomplished innocence, lush and melodic but with a haunting undercurrent of melancholy and menace. Samples and loops from a range of unlikely sources are merged with live instrumentation to create wonky off-kilter avant-pop with bite. The group have played extensively in the U.K. and France, alongside the likes of Melt Banana, Vibracathedral Orchestra, Knifehandchop, Scatter & Volcano the Bear. With a clutch of tracks included on compilations, a split 7" on Twisted Nerve’s singles club and a split 12" on French label Textile, with Oren Ambarchi's Sun, their music is gradually reaching appreciative new ears. Their debut mini album, 'Scaring the Grass in the Garden' (released on 'Pickled Egg') is described as being like Brian Wilson and Brian Eno joining forces for a cover version of the Camberwick Green theme tune.
They are not afraid to be beautiful. Machines and beats are caressed into soft humanity by delicate vocals, the boisterous cuddle of eccentrically played instruments and ingenious guitar patterns. Here are wistful love songs which also sound like the greatest James Bond theme ever (if those films had ever been made by a 60's new wave Czech director). Cartoon oneirics slapstick their way across lush countryside and toddle through town, favourite-uncle drunk and beaming expansively.
Trying to pin them down is like drinking beer with a fork. They coin new genres like other bands do sound checks - too much funky not enough, crofter dub, genial noise, surf and turf guitar, carousel gothic, collagetronica. If Harry Partch had made music for ice-cream vans it might have been like some of these affable inventions.
