Hatbox Field NEW STUFF!
We’ve featured Hatbox Field several times before, so when they sent us through a load of tracks to check out, I figured I’d better see what they’d been up to since our last visit. The following tracks were what they sent through, so as per usual, I hit play, settled back and let the music play out!So we’ve featured PTSD, Blend, May and Stay before, so moving into the stuff the guys sent through, my focus was drawn to tracks 060809 and Fine, just to check out whether I should be expecting the same sort of thing that we’d come across before.
Opening with 060809 the track gets off to a soft and acoustic guitar line, initially suggesting at a Staind type approach but soon moving back towards the sound we know and love from Hatbox Field. Upbeat, melodic and levelled throughout, this is a track which doesn’t go over the top or present us with anything that’s not needed in the mix, instead keeping things simple and showing that sometimes, when a band produces something restrained and laid back, the result can be more hard hitting than with the heavier tracks. Sure, the track moves back towards the more upbeat approach towards the end, but still we’re left with a real sense of melody and ‘sing along’ style stuff running through the mix – showing us that Hatbox Field are a band that understands their music, understands their audience and have got the musical ability to back it all up.
Fine presents us with much the same sort of approach, once again opening with a soft acoustic guitar line and leading us into a track which sits us back and allows the music to take us on a journey. Combining the guitar work with those haunting vocals, this is a track which may be soft, but it still manages to hammer home the message of the track, leaving no doubt that Hatbox Field aren’t just your everyday local band. There’s a serious level of skill evident from the song writing here, presenting us with a track which is soft and laid back yet emotionally charged from start to finish – definitely another track to make sure you check out if you get a chance.
What I love about Hatbox Field is how hard they work – they’re always sending us through new tracks to check out and keeping us posted on what they’re up to. As a result, we’ve seen a fair whack of their stuff over the last year or so, and I think it’s about time more people stood up and took notice of them – as right now they don’t know what they’re missing out on! Definitely a band you need to check out – and if you don’t believe me, read on below!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with 060809 the track gets off to a soft and acoustic guitar line, initially suggesting at a Staind type approach but soon moving back towards the sound we know and love from Hatbox Field. Upbeat, melodic and levelled throughout, this is a track which doesn’t go over the top or present us with anything that’s not needed in the mix, instead keeping things simple and showing that sometimes, when a band produces something restrained and laid back, the result can be more hard hitting than with the heavier tracks. Sure, the track moves back towards the more upbeat approach towards the end, but still we’re left with a real sense of melody and ‘sing along’ style stuff running through the mix – showing us that Hatbox Field are a band that understands their music, understands their audience and have got the musical ability to back it all up.
Fine presents us with much the same sort of approach, once again opening with a soft acoustic guitar line and leading us into a track which sits us back and allows the music to take us on a journey. Combining the guitar work with those haunting vocals, this is a track which may be soft, but it still manages to hammer home the message of the track, leaving no doubt that Hatbox Field aren’t just your everyday local band. There’s a serious level of skill evident from the song writing here, presenting us with a track which is soft and laid back yet emotionally charged from start to finish – definitely another track to make sure you check out if you get a chance.
What I love about Hatbox Field is how hard they work – they’re always sending us through new tracks to check out and keeping us posted on what they’re up to. As a result, we’ve seen a fair whack of their stuff over the last year or so, and I think it’s about time more people stood up and took notice of them – as right now they don’t know what they’re missing out on! Definitely a band you need to check out – and if you don’t believe me, read on below!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field - Joyce
Those lovely chaps over in Hatbox Field were kind enough to send us through a copy of their new track Joyce, to see what we thought of things. Having featured the guys a couple of times on the site, I was eager to see what direction the band were headed in, how they were developing, and what I could expect from their future releases!
Joyce opens with a soft guitar line, immediately setting the tone for the track and showing off the bands ability to craft melody with their own unique, out there approach to things, Layered vocals all work to form into a sound which is off heavy yet laden with power, suggesting that when this track is finished, it’s going to be one hell of a force to be reckoned with. Make no mistakes, there’s heavy thrown into the mix here, but it’s almost like an Alice In Chains style heaviness, not overbearing or over the top and instead, something which helps lift the track. It’s hard to pick out everything here as it’s a demo, but the over all sound is one which levels the different elements, shows off the bands ability to play their music, and shows that they’re a serious force to be reckoned with when it comes to song writing and ability.
I’ve often said that I love the catchy power that Hatbox Field manage to throw into their music, and with Joyce there’s no surprise that it’s the same sort of thing. Powerful guitar work seems to bound around the vocals and drumlines, resulting in a track which shows a band that are developing, a band that are honing their sound, and a band that have got a seriously bright future ahead of them. I can’t wait to hear the final version of this one – things are looking damned good.
Check out what else we've had to say about Hatbox Field below!
Words: Dave Nicholls
Joyce opens with a soft guitar line, immediately setting the tone for the track and showing off the bands ability to craft melody with their own unique, out there approach to things, Layered vocals all work to form into a sound which is off heavy yet laden with power, suggesting that when this track is finished, it’s going to be one hell of a force to be reckoned with. Make no mistakes, there’s heavy thrown into the mix here, but it’s almost like an Alice In Chains style heaviness, not overbearing or over the top and instead, something which helps lift the track. It’s hard to pick out everything here as it’s a demo, but the over all sound is one which levels the different elements, shows off the bands ability to play their music, and shows that they’re a serious force to be reckoned with when it comes to song writing and ability.
I’ve often said that I love the catchy power that Hatbox Field manage to throw into their music, and with Joyce there’s no surprise that it’s the same sort of thing. Powerful guitar work seems to bound around the vocals and drumlines, resulting in a track which shows a band that are developing, a band that are honing their sound, and a band that have got a seriously bright future ahead of them. I can’t wait to hear the final version of this one – things are looking damned good.
Check out what else we've had to say about Hatbox Field below!
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field - 13/1
Ever the lovely chaps they are in Hatbox Field, they recently dropped us a line about their new track, 13/1, to see what we thought. Describing it as a quick recording of one of their many new tracks they’re working on, I was looking forward to checking out what to expect from these guys!
What I’ve always liked about Habox Field is their ability to create tracks which are firmly their own, always adding in a unique approach to things to ensure that you know what and who you’re listening to. This is the case once again with this new track, offering up a bass heavy mix of intricate guitar lines and pounding drums, combining everything so it forms a sound which is off heavy, but still full of power and technical ability. Despite only being a sample of what is to come, this track strikes me as one which is going to end up as a catchy, almost funky track, demonstrating the roots of the band and once again crafting a song which a hell of a lot of people are going to fall for – in short – it’s sounding damned good to me!
Hatbox Field are without a doubt, one of the most hardworking bands I’ve come across since setting up Loud-Stuff. They’re always working on something new, developing their sound and seeing how they can improve on what they’ve done before, to move up to the next level. With the preview of this track I’m liking the direction they seem to be taking and can’t wait to hear the result – further confirmation that this is a band to keep an eye on!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
What I’ve always liked about Habox Field is their ability to create tracks which are firmly their own, always adding in a unique approach to things to ensure that you know what and who you’re listening to. This is the case once again with this new track, offering up a bass heavy mix of intricate guitar lines and pounding drums, combining everything so it forms a sound which is off heavy, but still full of power and technical ability. Despite only being a sample of what is to come, this track strikes me as one which is going to end up as a catchy, almost funky track, demonstrating the roots of the band and once again crafting a song which a hell of a lot of people are going to fall for – in short – it’s sounding damned good to me!
Hatbox Field are without a doubt, one of the most hardworking bands I’ve come across since setting up Loud-Stuff. They’re always working on something new, developing their sound and seeing how they can improve on what they’ve done before, to move up to the next level. With the preview of this track I’m liking the direction they seem to be taking and can’t wait to hear the result – further confirmation that this is a band to keep an eye on!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field - Trick
The chaps in Hatbox Field have always been good for sending us through a track or two, so when they sent us through a link to Trick, one of four tracks that are going to be on their new EP, we were pretty damned excited to see what they had been up to!
Trick opens as it means to go on, loud! Kicking into a bass heavy melee of feedback and rib shuddering bass rhythms, the track picks up pace and throws you into a mix which is surely going to get venues pumping from the word go. Powerful, funky and melodic, this track is testament to a band that have worked hard, developed their sound and found the direction that they want to go in. Powerful and groove orientated guitar lines pound over the heavy drumming, the gravelly vocals leading the way and the bass adding a sense of movement throughout resulting in a track which suggests the new EP is going to be something verging on the boundaries of incredible – definitely one to look out for!
I’ve always liked the sound of Hatbox Field as simply, they understand how to combine the different elements of the band to form a sound which isn’t over the top or too far gone, instead forming something which you can listen to an enjoy at home, but will also go absolutely mental to when it’s played live. Definitely a band to make sure you check out!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Trick opens as it means to go on, loud! Kicking into a bass heavy melee of feedback and rib shuddering bass rhythms, the track picks up pace and throws you into a mix which is surely going to get venues pumping from the word go. Powerful, funky and melodic, this track is testament to a band that have worked hard, developed their sound and found the direction that they want to go in. Powerful and groove orientated guitar lines pound over the heavy drumming, the gravelly vocals leading the way and the bass adding a sense of movement throughout resulting in a track which suggests the new EP is going to be something verging on the boundaries of incredible – definitely one to look out for!
I’ve always liked the sound of Hatbox Field as simply, they understand how to combine the different elements of the band to form a sound which isn’t over the top or too far gone, instead forming something which you can listen to an enjoy at home, but will also go absolutely mental to when it’s played live. Definitely a band to make sure you check out!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field - some new stuff...
So we’ve featured Hatbox Field a few times before, so when they dropped us a line about some new tracks they’d been working on, I was pretty excited to hear how things were going. Their music has consistently advanced over the times we’ve heard them, so I was looking forward to checking out their newest offerings!
May opens with soft guitar lines and a real sense of reflection, almost offering up an emotional soundtrack to accompany moments which happen in life. The vocals sound almost haunting over the backing music, coming across as a combination of hard and soft which elevates things to a different level. Soon adopting a pace which is sure to get people involved in the sound, this is a track which isn’t going to get people jumping or moving, but instead stop them in their tracks and make them listen to what’s going on – it’s almost hypnotic. What really struck me about this track was the lack of drums, I didn’t notice until the track had come to a close as simply, they’re not needed. This different approach and laid back style is one which could well work well, and shows off a band who are more advanced and technical than they like to let on.
Glory Remains is a whole different beast altogether, this time opening with a roaring guitar line over some pummelling drums and hammering bass moments. This is the sort of track I love as it’s live, it’s real and it shows what a band can do. Sure, there are those that will say it’s rough or poor quality but it shows off what a band actually sounds like rather than what a studio can do for them. Energetic and powerful throughout, this is the sort of track which is going to get Hatbox Field a name for themselves on the live scene, offering up energetic music and showing that they can perform alongside the best of them – this is a track I’ve got to see on the live front!
I love that everytime I hear something from Hatbox Field, it’s a different approach. Their style is impossible to whack into a genre as simply, they’re capable of pulling off many different styles and approaches depending on how they feel. If you’re looking for an exciting band to check out then you won’t go far wrong here, definitely one to watch!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE or our reviews of other stuff below.
Words: Dave Nicholls
May opens with soft guitar lines and a real sense of reflection, almost offering up an emotional soundtrack to accompany moments which happen in life. The vocals sound almost haunting over the backing music, coming across as a combination of hard and soft which elevates things to a different level. Soon adopting a pace which is sure to get people involved in the sound, this is a track which isn’t going to get people jumping or moving, but instead stop them in their tracks and make them listen to what’s going on – it’s almost hypnotic. What really struck me about this track was the lack of drums, I didn’t notice until the track had come to a close as simply, they’re not needed. This different approach and laid back style is one which could well work well, and shows off a band who are more advanced and technical than they like to let on.
Glory Remains is a whole different beast altogether, this time opening with a roaring guitar line over some pummelling drums and hammering bass moments. This is the sort of track I love as it’s live, it’s real and it shows what a band can do. Sure, there are those that will say it’s rough or poor quality but it shows off what a band actually sounds like rather than what a studio can do for them. Energetic and powerful throughout, this is the sort of track which is going to get Hatbox Field a name for themselves on the live scene, offering up energetic music and showing that they can perform alongside the best of them – this is a track I’ve got to see on the live front!
I love that everytime I hear something from Hatbox Field, it’s a different approach. Their style is impossible to whack into a genre as simply, they’re capable of pulling off many different styles and approaches depending on how they feel. If you’re looking for an exciting band to check out then you won’t go far wrong here, definitely one to watch!
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE or our reviews of other stuff below.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field
We featured HatBoxField a while back, so when they got in touch about their new track, Years Chased Away, we jumped at the opportunity to check out what these guys had on offer by way of new music!
Following the conventions of their previous music but sounding more advanced and grown up, this is a track which immediately sets the bar high for the band. Opening soft and acoustic, full of orchestral lines and gravelly vocals giving you an immediate combination of raw yet softened, melodic and soothing. Catchy and powerful this is a track which wouldn’t be out of place getting some serious radio play, immediately grabbing your attention and pulling you into a dark yet harmonic mix of powerful instrumentation. The key to this track is the chorus, getting you chanting along to ‘Years Chased Away’ within a couple of listens, bolstering the music with layered vocals and forming a track which matches one simple term – anthem.
What I like about this track is how advanced it is, it’s full of moments which you won’t expect, hooks which grab your attention and powerful lyrical moments, yet it’s acoustic throughout. If ever there was a demonstration that you don’t need power to create a hard hitting track, this is it! Based on this, if the band continue to write songs like this and advance their style over the coming months, Hat Box Field are going to be one hell of a force to be reckoned with in 2012.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Following the conventions of their previous music but sounding more advanced and grown up, this is a track which immediately sets the bar high for the band. Opening soft and acoustic, full of orchestral lines and gravelly vocals giving you an immediate combination of raw yet softened, melodic and soothing. Catchy and powerful this is a track which wouldn’t be out of place getting some serious radio play, immediately grabbing your attention and pulling you into a dark yet harmonic mix of powerful instrumentation. The key to this track is the chorus, getting you chanting along to ‘Years Chased Away’ within a couple of listens, bolstering the music with layered vocals and forming a track which matches one simple term – anthem.
What I like about this track is how advanced it is, it’s full of moments which you won’t expect, hooks which grab your attention and powerful lyrical moments, yet it’s acoustic throughout. If ever there was a demonstration that you don’t need power to create a hard hitting track, this is it! Based on this, if the band continue to write songs like this and advance their style over the coming months, Hat Box Field are going to be one hell of a force to be reckoned with in 2012.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hatbox Field
The guys are a band we have featured not too long ago. They have a new track and here it is.
P.T.S.D starts off very relaxed, a lone guitar strumming is soon accompanied by a fresher, faster paced guitar riff. With it being a live recording you can really appreciate the untampered qualities the band possesses. The lyrics sound great and compliment the flawless riffs on show. The drum beat which often goes unnoticed pounds away strongly in the background almost pushing the track along; not that it needs it. The track is yet another stepping stone to success and pushes on from the previous songs I reviewed. Now I’ve heard a live recording and can compare it to the studio recordings, I can safely say I want to go to one of these guys gigs.
P.T.S.D starts off very relaxed, a lone guitar strumming is soon accompanied by a fresher, faster paced guitar riff. With it being a live recording you can really appreciate the untampered qualities the band possesses. The lyrics sound great and compliment the flawless riffs on show. The drum beat which often goes unnoticed pounds away strongly in the background almost pushing the track along; not that it needs it. The track is yet another stepping stone to success and pushes on from the previous songs I reviewed. Now I’ve heard a live recording and can compare it to the studio recordings, I can safely say I want to go to one of these guys gigs.
Hatbox Field
A band from our shores now. Hatbox Field consists of 3 guys from the Manchester area. They are regularly found gigging in and around Manchester so be sure to check them out. These guys are putting out post grunge/alternative rock sounds so get onto their Facebook page boys and girls and show this band some love. Enough said here’s what I thought of the stuff I heard!
Stay was the first track I came across on their page. A dark bass line accompanied by a harsh, fist pumping drum beat gets proceedings underway and sets the tone for the track. The vocals enter the frame, staying in with the tone and theme of the track. The vocals make me think of Audioslave with an added twist. The guitar riffs have a sense of purpose and are meaningful. Despite having that cold, grunge type feel to them, they are fairly catchy and you can easily find yourself nodding your head away to them. The drum beat, riffs and so forth are almost regimented, they work together to produce a sound that works well. The variations in tempo work well, the pace is never relentless however the subtle changes do enough to keep you on your toes and show that the guys can mix it up a bit.
Blend was the second track on the list and after the first track I was excited to see what the guys were going to bring to the table this time. The tempo is noticeably quicker at the start of this track. A short distorted guitar solo begins the rollercoaster, there’s a punchier feel to the song in comparison to ‘Stay’ but still keeping the dark bass line throughout. The vocals are crisp and sound more unique in this track, squashing the Audioslave link like a bug. I liked this track a lot; there are a lot of different layers that have been built up to contribute towards this. It’s the simple but effective riffs on show, solid drum beats and of course the unique vocals on show, not to forget the awesome guitar solo at the end that fades out to finish the track, which was a nice touch.
The last track I managed to get my mischievous little hands on was the guys B Side. I thought I had gone back a few years and was listening to an Incubus track. A gentle acoustic guitar solo eases us into this. There’s a real mellow feel to this one and once again it shows the variation that the band are capable of. The vocals are strong and almost heartfelt, something not usually accustomed to grunge music. The track is fairly short, which is probably my only flaw with it, but that’s only because I wanted to hear more!
Really enjoyed listening to these guys. There’s a lot of variation going on here which I like. The riffs are strong, the vocals are solid and all in all a damn good listen. Like I said before, go to the bands Facebook page and show them some love.
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Stay was the first track I came across on their page. A dark bass line accompanied by a harsh, fist pumping drum beat gets proceedings underway and sets the tone for the track. The vocals enter the frame, staying in with the tone and theme of the track. The vocals make me think of Audioslave with an added twist. The guitar riffs have a sense of purpose and are meaningful. Despite having that cold, grunge type feel to them, they are fairly catchy and you can easily find yourself nodding your head away to them. The drum beat, riffs and so forth are almost regimented, they work together to produce a sound that works well. The variations in tempo work well, the pace is never relentless however the subtle changes do enough to keep you on your toes and show that the guys can mix it up a bit.
Blend was the second track on the list and after the first track I was excited to see what the guys were going to bring to the table this time. The tempo is noticeably quicker at the start of this track. A short distorted guitar solo begins the rollercoaster, there’s a punchier feel to the song in comparison to ‘Stay’ but still keeping the dark bass line throughout. The vocals are crisp and sound more unique in this track, squashing the Audioslave link like a bug. I liked this track a lot; there are a lot of different layers that have been built up to contribute towards this. It’s the simple but effective riffs on show, solid drum beats and of course the unique vocals on show, not to forget the awesome guitar solo at the end that fades out to finish the track, which was a nice touch.
The last track I managed to get my mischievous little hands on was the guys B Side. I thought I had gone back a few years and was listening to an Incubus track. A gentle acoustic guitar solo eases us into this. There’s a real mellow feel to this one and once again it shows the variation that the band are capable of. The vocals are strong and almost heartfelt, something not usually accustomed to grunge music. The track is fairly short, which is probably my only flaw with it, but that’s only because I wanted to hear more!
Really enjoyed listening to these guys. There’s a lot of variation going on here which I like. The riffs are strong, the vocals are solid and all in all a damn good listen. Like I said before, go to the bands Facebook page and show them some love.
To find out more about Hatbox Field, check out their Facebook page HERE.