modern gritty indie soul, samples, acoustics, whirly stuff, general intrigue and mystery, and of course a homey feeling like it wants to be in your collection where it's warm.

11 MP3 Songs
POP: Beatles-pop, POP: Piano



Details:
Hardison, which is comprised of S Hardison (guitars, vocals), Adam Hicks (keys), Austin Hicks (bass), and Adonis Toro (percussion), is a Seattle-based outfit whose music is as personal as any emo band on the scene today, but universal in its appeal and rather than opt for the easy angst so trendy these days, Hardison provides genuine substance in its lyrics.

.....gravel roads are now all paved, I'll never walk again. My family I love, I want to see them again, but I can't afford the ride. My dream is real don't open my eyes, as I appear frozen in front of the line......

"No question that it's different." says Hardison. "We believe our audience is full of people who've experienced the same kinds of dreams and nightmares we write about."

For the listener, that translates to ringing acoustic guitars, jazz-inflected keyboard fills, and a rhythm section that responds in kind. For them, instrumental showboating is counterproductive; the song is their muse, and soaring above it all are the unvarnished vocals of Hardison. It's a unique instrument of communication, vulnerable and yet strong and true -- delivering songs of triumph and defeat, reflection and rebirth.

There are three Hardison albums currently available: "Dead Comedians," "Sun Bros." and last year's "Time and Cash." Currently Hardison and his bandmates are in the studio recording their fourth disc, set for release later in 2006.
kevin phinney - entertainment journalist