HYSTERESE - "Hysterese" (2014)

Artist:  Hysterese
Album:  Hysterese
Year:  2014
Genre:  Punk

It’s time for you to suffer through a bit of my self-reflection.  The burning query…does age equate to being impassive when it comes to new bands and their music?   I’ve come to the conclusion that it might be slightly true in my case.  As my years have increased, I find it tougher and tougher for new bands to start a fire in my gut.  Yet, I continue searching for the next record that’s going to awaken that impassioned and thrilling feeling I had so many times previously in, what would be considered, my youth.  You know: the type of record you needed to play for your friend right away, a record that didn’t leave your turntable, car stereo or Walkman for a month, a record that you know every second front to back yet you still listen to it.  Well, I should send a “Thank You” card to the Germany-based Hysterese.  Their most recent release titled Hysterese, and their 2011 debut, also titled Hysterese, has me more fired up than I’ve been in a long time about a band; burying the cynical side of me at least for a little bit.

Finding this band was a pure stroke of dumb luck during a late night Bandcamp expedition.  I had approximately sifted through 10 typically mundane bands before stumbling across their page.  A few songs in, I needed more.  I quickly sent them whatever the equivalent of 5 EUR is and have been listening them on a consistent basis ever since.  Hysterese play a hybrid of hardcore and pop-ish punk that tends to sway more toward the darker side of melodies and chord progressions.  Yes, there are plenty of bands that also contain those qualities, but it’s Hysterese’s approach that makes their music infectious and, dare I say, original.  The music maintains a frenzied pace and isn’t afraid to fluctuate from all out hardcore punk to an overtly raw pop sound that lays the foundation for what I believe is one of the best vocal performances on an album in a very long time.  The female/male dual vocal attack just oozes passion, intensity and sincerity.  Some of these vocal passages border on genius in their execution and are truly a highlight and welcomed change to the typical approach of the genre.  Hysterese make me recall those fascinating and enthusiastic feelings that come with “finding that new band.”  Referring to more modern times, they have been in heavy rotation on my MP3 player for months, and, after much searching, I have successfully added them to my vinyl collection.  I can’t say enough good things about this band.  Here’s hoping for a another release...called Hysterese obviously.

Listen to "K-141" here.