Rrocklobster of Perth

Rrocklobster of Perth Adelaide

The Hard Aches, Pheromones

(Anchorhead, May 2015)

The Hard Aches have built an army of friends and acquaintances who are always eager for them to tour. The growing success of the Adelaide band is a result of their everyone’s-invited party spirit, and the emotional connection that Ben David creates with audiences through the delivery of lyrics that tug at the heartstrings of hyper-emotional skate-punk kids who are surprised to find themselves in their mid-twenties.

The arrival of album Pheromones was warmly received by their community of fans and there’s no doubt that fans would have spent much of the last week diligently studying the album ready for the mid-year examination (the album tour, which starts in Sydney tonight). Punchy tracks that we’ve come to expect from the Adelaide duo are sure to be audience favourites, including Old Man Hands and I Get Like This which has been building momentum ever since Rachael Barrett filmed that acoustic video in the backyard of The Bird last year.

Pheromones builds on the foundation that EP Organs and Airports laid, and proves that Ben David and Alex Upton are a well-synchronised pair that are obviously under each other’s skin. Perth fans are already discussing Ben David’s vocals, which have evolved into something much stronger and smoother than before. Opening track, This Year, starts with just Ben and his guitar. It’s a full minute until drums kick in to remind us that this is The Hard Aches and not another solo operation.

Upton’s drumming is well paced and matches the energy of each new moment on the album. A band can do well with less than a handful of instruments only if the music is well written and played and skilfully, two targets which The Hard Aches hit right in the bulls-eye. Projects this can’t happen without the collaboration of good friends*, and the pairs’ work is supported with a bassist throughout. Group vocals on We All Do are sure to be replicated by crowds on tour.

In typical Ben David fashion, songs are always sung to a mystery ‘you,’ and feature familiar themes like the struggle with adulthood, broken hearts and airports. Always airports. A vocal harmony appears on a few tracks including Old Souls, where she sings just a beat behind Ben and appears to finish his sentences. She disappears for a while and comes back just when you’re about to lose any hope you had of her return – symbolic or just a well-crafted song?

Thorough testing by the lobster proves this album is suitable for all scenarios, including but not limited to driving, cooking, sitting, standing and waiting. It’s great for early in the morning, and late at night. It’s predicted that the songs will become party favourites too.

Press the loop button and leave it on repeat all night.

Article by Rrocklobster of Perth Adelaide Radelaide Perth

*Names of collaborating musicians have not been included with the digital release.