"Teenage girls hold the keys to the world"—with an opening line like this, The Hard Lessons basically had me at hello. With a healthy mix of humorous pop-culture references ("Now the boys, boys, oh they're wearing girl's clothes") and strong, thought-provoking metaphors that most of us can relate to ("There's a line in the sand—and I'm not sure about the side where I stand"), Detroit's own The Hard Lessons are making quite a name for themselves.
As a recent University of Michigan grad, I'll probably be tarred and feathered for even thinking this—but I have to give huge props to MSU. Don't worry, though. It's not what you think. My sudden fondness of the Spartan campus is tied to one thing, and one thing only—the fact that it was the birthplace of easily my favorite live band, The Hard Lessons.
After a brilliant debut in 2003, a European tour with Ok Go and Motion City Soundtrack, and having their music featured on both local radio stations and network television shows, The Hard Lessons have achieved nation-wide acclaim, as well as a significant international fan-base—and I can see why.
I already told you I dig their lyrics—and so do over 16,000 people, based on their extensive MySpace fanbase—but what really makes these lyrics shine are the matching melodies, and killer vocals. I give THL a lot of credit—these days, half of the celebrated bands you hear produce "new" songs that are essentially mere clones of former hits. And I'm not talking about covers, here. I'm talking about buying a 12-track CD that has the same baseline throughout, but with varying lyrics (ahem. Nickelback). What's admirable about THL is that each song stands so beautifully on its own.
Not only do their songs explore more than just the typical 'boy-meets-girl, boy-and-girl-break-up, boy-misses-girl' backbone of today's playlist, but they are witty enough to make you giggle, and smart enough to make you think. Combine this with an indescribable live performance, and ladies and gentleman, we have a hit rock band.
Now, I know I just whipped out the word 'indescribable,' but as a blogger, it's kind of my job to at least attempt a description.
It's obvious that THL is not your average rock band as soon as they take the stage—after all, they rock an organ instead of the standard bass guitar. A three-piece recipe, THL is Augie on guitar/vocals, Ms. KoKo Louise on organ/vocals, and The Anvil on drums. Yeah, that's right. The Anvil.
Oh, and did I mention that every show, each member's wardrobe consists solely of the colors black and white?
Classic.
The trio that is THL has an onstage musical chemistry unlike any I've seen before. It's a chemistry among themselves, from the way they press their foreheads together during a duet to the way each of them interjects their banter during a set. But it's also a chemistry with the audience. There is something about The Hard Lessons. Something that's there that lets the audience know that THL is ready for anything. And ready to do anything for them. The energy emitted by The Hard Lessons gives each audience member a charge that I can only guess would be equivalent to chugging 10 Red Bulls. Their performance itself, I've decided, consists of its own T, H, and L—talent, heart, and laughter.
Talent is obvious.
Heart. Every time Augie jumps onto an amp to get just a little bit closer to the crowd, every time KoKo Lousie rhythmically stomps her heel, every time The Anvil lays into his drum set, it's pretty clear that they love what they do. Let's be real. If I were them, I'd probably love it too.
Laughter. You can't help but laugh when you see them perform. And I mean that in the best way possible. Whether it's a Valentine's Day gig that has them throwing Fraggle Rock paper Valentines into the crowd; whether it's Augie singing a lyric about "time" and grabbing the nearest clock off of the wall, clutching it Flavor Flav style; or whether it's a quick story between sets about a fourth grade kickball experience that has scarred them for life—each performance is unique in it's humor. But you can bet there will be humor.
Equally impressive as their onstage performance, however, is their performance off-stage. The Hard Lessons make an effort to step into the crowd and genuinely watch the performances of the other bands that share the bill with them. And I'm not talking about standing in the back, arms folded, with a blatant "I'm-too-cool-for-you-but-I-know-I-should-be-doing this" vibe. I'm talking about rubbing elbows with unsuspecting fans, and really getting into the music; about having the person next to you lean over and whisper, "hey they're pretty great, huh?" only to find Augie standing two Chuck Taylors away.
The Hard Lessons are local music at its best. So check them out in concert (or just check them out online, if you don't get out much).
Listen to The Hard Lessons on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thehardlessons
All the cool kids are doing it.
high fives,
Melissa
