The Hard Quartet review – cosmically trippy joy from Stephen Malkmus supergroup
In a recent conversation, we delved into the debut album from the Hard Quartet, a remarkable supergroup featuring talents like Stephen Malkmus of Pavement and the Jicks, Matt Sweeney from Chavez and Superwolf, Jim White of Dirty Three, and Emmett Kelly from Cairo Gang and Ty Segall. Their self-titled album stands apart from standard stoner jam sessions, showcasing an impressive blend of quality and diverse songwriting.
The energy throughout the album is palpable—it’s evident that these four musicians are fully enjoying the collaborative journey, sharing vocal duties and celebrating their creative synergy. Signature sounds from their previous bands shine through, marked by gritty guitars, powerful riffs, and unconventional melodies. Tracks range from the glamorous, avant-garde opener “Chrome Mess” to the power-punk vibes of “Renegade,” which harkens back to the early days of Buzzcocks. However, much of the album takes on a cosmic, trippy feel, notably in the enchanting “Heel Highway,” where they pay a heartfelt homage to marijuana, singing, “Rustling up some liquid hash to make some colors flash.”
What distinguishes the Hard Quartet from a typical jam session is its pop sensibility and thoughtful songwriting. “Killed By Death” cleverly borrows its title from an old Motörhead song, intertwining beautiful guitar arrangements while contemplating life and mortality. The track “Hey” evokes the dreamy, intoxicating essence of the Velvet Underground, while “Action for Military Boys” fuses influences from T. Rex and The Libertines to powerfully articulate the experiences of young soldiers. Lines like, “crazies every side of me / I feel lucky to be alive … the modern warfare for which we train is nothing like a f***in’ video game” resonate deeply.
Although there are a few missteps, such as the meandering “Thug Dynasty,” the overall guitar work is outstanding, and the melodies consistently intrigue and surprise. This endeavor is far from just a casual jam session; instead, these seasoned musicians challenge each other to reach new heights, bringing out the very best in one another.
