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Dave Hause – Drive It Like It’s Stolen
Blood Harmony Records – Release Date: 4/28/23
Earlier this year, Dave Hause released his sixth full-length, Drive It Like It’s Stolen. Hause has described the record as “post-apocalyptic Americana” and this term couldn’t be more spot-on, as many of the songs describe a dystopian future that isn’t far removed from the current state of America. The album’s first song, “Cheap Seats (New Years Day, NYC, 2042),” is quick to set the stage, utilizing a sparse arrangement, (only keyboards, a drum machine and vocals) to depict a society on the brink of collapse. It’s almost like Hause’s farewell to a way of life that can no longer be sustained. The song’s highpoint comes during its final minute, when the full band kicks-in with some serious Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers vibes.
“Pedal Down” continues the storyline, illustrating a hasty exodus for a presumably safer, more remote location. There’s a beautiful section where the dust settles and it’s just vocals and piano. Then the drums and added percussion crop up, helping to tie everything together. (“Is anyone out there? Is this thing on? / The temple is sacked and the healers are gone / You’ll turn into a pillar of salt if you dare turn around”). The mood shifts with the next entry, “Damn Personal,” which is one of the most rousing, catchiest songs that Hause has ever written. It contrasts upbeat instrumentation with somber lyrics, and really hits home if you’ve ever lost a close friend unexpectedly. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings, but ultimately celebrates great memories shared with a friend who’s gone too soon.
“Low” is a proficiently-crafted pop song that employs a slight country influence to examine a partner’s loyalty, while “Hazard Lights” features slightly comedic lyrics that add a bit of levity to a tempting situation. The latter addresses Hause’s sobriety and is yet another example of his innate ability to write about deeply personal matters, but do so in a way that it’s relatable for most anyone. (“Let me get you home, I’m weakest on the weekend / My Bambi knees are knocking, my thirst is steady creeping / I can’t turn you down, I can’t be alone / So I’m hearing you out with the hazard lights on”).
The title track is moody and groove-oriented, and deals with the battle that we’re all in against Father Time. It centers around Hause’s unique vocal delivery and the chorus evokes imagery of a hazy California sunset. The hook also reflects one of the album’s primary themes, the fact that there’s no turning back and that we shouldn’t fear an unknown future, but rather embrace it.
Catch Dave Hause this Friday, October 6th at Space in Evanston. He’ll be celebrating the tenth anniversary of Devour at this show and plans to play the album in its entirety, (along with other songs as well). Doors open at 7:00 PM and tickets are available here.
Dave Hause – Blood Harmony
Blood Harmony Records – Release Date: 10/22/21
Last month, Dave Hause released his fifth full-length, titled Blood Harmony. Hause continues to evolve as a songwriter and the musical synergy that he shares with his brother Tim, who plays guitar, piano and provides backing vocals, has further solidified. These factors, coupled with the stellar production from Will Hoge, assist in making this the most focused album that Hause has crafted to date. The opening track, “Northstar,” enjoys a strong folk influence and thematically speaking, really sets the stage for the rest of the record. Its lyrics talk of Hause finding direction in life with his wife and twin sons, (“I’m an old ocean liner / It takes everything to make a simple turn. For an old timer / You taught me I still got so much to learn”). On the surface, the song is rather simple, but it’s beautifully and meticulously executed.
“Sandy Sheets” is arguably the most accessible song that Hause has ever written and it somehow doesn’t lose its appeal even after dozens of listens. It speaks of young love and simpler times, and that’s certainly easy to reminisce about given the current state of the world. As an added bonus, the lyrics also include playful nods to Gin Blossoms, The Cure, and The Bouncing Souls. “Plagiarist” opens with a classic rock ‘n’ roll riff and is suggestive of early Tom Petty. It also features nimble and perfectly-placed drum fills, courtesy of Chris Powell, which really propel the song. It concludes with Hause letting loose in the outro, with his vocals recalling his days as the frontman for The Loved Ones.
“Carry the Lantern” is a moody entry with a stomping rhythm and understated piano accents. It boasts a monster chorus and its lyrics offer a message of hope. It deals with heading into the unknown, but remaining unafraid to face whatever might await. Near the end, the song swells to a choir of backing vocals before coming back around for one last run through the massive hook. The album draws to a close with “Little Wings,” which is similar in tone with the first song and a nice way to bookend the record. Its words represent Hause talking to his sons and addressing how he hopes to raise them. The keyboard provides a touching melody for this deeply personal song, as the album’s theme comes full circle.
Blood Harmony retains somewhat of a timeless feel, in part due to its classic rock ‘n’ roll influences, but also because of the level of detail in both the arrangements and the recording. It’s undoubtedly Hause’s most complete album yet and should be well-received by most any fan of rock music.
Dave Hause – Paddy
Self-released – Release Date: 10/23/20
Last month, Dave Hause released a pair of new EPs. One is called Patty and features covers of Patty Griffin songs, while the other, Paddy, contains songs written by Patrick “Paddy” Costello of Dillinger Four. This review will focus solely on the Paddy EP, as I am much more familiar with the work of D4. In a few words, Hause has done a masterful job of reimagining these songs in a stripped-down, acoustic fashion. His interpretations draw the lyrics to the forefront and illustrate just how relevant Dillinger Four’s message remains after many years.
Continue Reading…Riot Fest 2019 First Wave Lineup
This morning, Riot Fest announced their first wave lineup. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the event. Blink-182, Slayer, a reunited Bikini Kill, The Raconteurs, Rise Against, The Flaming Lips, and Jawbreaker are among the headliners that have been revealed thus far. The festival, which takes place Sept. 13 – 15 in Douglas Park, will also include Ween, Patti Smith, Rancid, Violent Femmes, Descendents, The B-52’s, Avail, Against Me!, Hot Snakes, Less Than Jake, Cursive, and many others. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Additional bands will be announced in the coming weeks.
Full Album Performances by:
Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose + Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Avail – Over The James
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
Dashboard Confessional – The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot
Glassjaw – Worship and Tribute
The Selecter – Too Much Pressure
Senses Fail – From the Depths of Dreams + Let It Enfold You
Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends + Louder Now
Ween – The Mollusk
Dave Hause – Kick
Rise Records – Release Date: 4/12/19
With Kick, his fourth solo LP and third for Rise Records, Dave Hause defies the notion that singer/songwriters often run out of gas this deep into their careers. Rather, Kick represents arguably his strongest and most inspired record yet. It begins with “Eye Aye I,” a reflective call to arms that sets the scene for the rest of the album. The song contrasts a youthful mindset with a weary worldview, and all the while highlights the vocal talents of Hause. It naturally transitions to “The Ditch,” a streamlined, melodic rocker that emphasizes what Hause does best. It’s powered by the guitar work of Tim Hause and its lyrics address the challenges of living in today’s political climate. If there’s a single underlying message found here, it’s one of perseverance and resolve. “Saboteurs” is a mid-tempo entry that evokes a Tom Petty vibe and slowly unfolds to an expansive chorus. It deals with striving for change and standing up for what’s right, and also includes the line “We’ll kick against the tide,” (an obvious nod to the record’s title).
One of the album’s most ambitious songs is “Warpaint,” where Hause examines how many women in this country likely feel after the presidential election of 2016. He sings, “You’ve got your keys between your fingers / As if you had a choice / Keep your keys between your fingers / Your mother’s blood in your voice,” while female gospel singers echo, “No mercy in a man’s world.” It’s as effective as it is emotional, and really strikes a topical nerve. The mood lightens with “Fireflies,” easily one of the most beautiful songs that Hause has ever written. It looks back on simpler times, reminiscing about young love without real world problems and a desire to recapture those feelings. Another highpoint is “Paradise,” a rousing, Springsteen-infused track that would seemingly be great in a live setting. It has an unrelenting pace that only slows for a brief piano interlude before returning to the fiery chorus.
The record concludes with “Bearing Down,” which discusses mental health and dark feelings that can at times be overwhelming, but are ultimately outweighed by joyful thoughts of family and those who motivate us to keep moving forward. It’s very much a welcomed light at the end of the tunnel and a perfect way to end the album. Kick represents a complete work that contains thoughtful songwriting and lyrics that deliver a message of optimism during turbulent times. Hause continues to evolve as a songwriter, thanks in part to the expanded role of his brother Tim, culminating in an album that clearly surpasses his previous output.
Dave Hause
Earlier this year, Dave Hause released his third solo full-length, titled Bury Me In Philly. We caught up with Dave while he was on a recent break from tour and talked about some of what motivated the album’s creation. We also discussed the record’s style, which merges Americana and folk influences with punk-leaning rock and introspective, often uplifting lyrics. In short, these are some of the most detailed and emotional songs that Hause has written to date. Additionally, we spoke about his new backing band, the Mermaid, their upcoming European tour and Hause’s plans for new music.
The Falcon
Cover photo by Katie Hovland and Layout by David Holtz
Next month, The Falcon is set to release its first album in nearly a decade. We met up with singer/guitarist Brendan Kelly at the GMan Tavern to discuss the record in detail. We talked about the band’s new guitarist, Dave Hause, and how his contributions helped to shape the album’s sound. Original members Dan Andriano, (Alkaline Trio) and Neil Hennessy, (The Lawrence Arms) are of course still onboard for the ride. We also spoke about how the record was written, what it was like recording with Dan Tinkler at Atlas Studios and how the album’s cover came to be. Additionally, we conversed about the record’s dark lyrical content and how it mirrors the style of the music. Longtime fans will be eager to find the band exploring new sounds, but at the same time retaining the characteristics that they’re best known for. By all accounts, Gather Up The Chaps finds The Falcon sounding very much revitalized and ready for take-off. Continue Reading…
Dave Hause
Last year, Dave Hause released his second solo album and first for Rise Records, entitled Devour. By any measure, it’s a comprehensive record that combines various themes with accomplished songwriting, resulting in a new benchmark for Hause. We caught up with him before his recent show at Schubas and discussed Devour in detail. We talked about the meaning of some of its songs, what the recording process was like and the inspiration behind the album’s title. We also spoke about his previous band, The Loved Ones, as well as his recent experiences touring Europe, future plans and more. Continue Reading…
Dave Hause – Devour
Photo by Katie Hovland
Rise Records – Release Date: 10/08/13
On his second solo album, Devour, Dave Hause forgoes the acoustic influences that dominated his first record in favor of plugged-in, rock-oriented arrangements. This is understandable, as many of these songs were intended for a new Loved Ones album that never materialized. When his previous band stalled, Hause thankfully soldiered on, delivering some of the finest songwriting of his career. At its heart, Devour is a complete album, comprised of songs that work together to tell an overall story. One theme is that of a disintegrated relationship, and the struggle to move forward in a positive direction. That narrative is contrasted with America’s continued decline and the disappearance of its middle class. Also discussed are childhood dreams that go unfulfilled and the challenge of dealing with those realizations as an adult. The songs on Devour definitely follow a linear path, and by the close of the record Hause manages to uncover a light at the end of the tunnel. The final three tracks embrace an optimistic tone and address topics like resiliency, hope and renewal. Musicians from Social Distortion and My Morning Jacket lent a hand in the studio to help shape these songs, and Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba made a guest appearance as well. The end result is a collection of rock songs with accents of folk and punk that match the lyrics in terms of quality. Devour is sure to appeal to a broad audience and a likely candidate for one of the best albums of 2013. Check out the record as soon as possible and take a listen to the song “We Could Be Kings” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/03-We-Could-Be-Kings.mp3|titles=”We Could Be Kings”]
Dave Hause
Photo by Katie Hovland
Dave Hause, singer/guitarist of The Loved Ones, released his solo debut earlier this year, Resolutions. The album explores various genres and features several guest musicians, yet it’s Hause’s ability to craft memorable songs and tell stories with his lyrics that shines through most. We caught up with Hause before his recent show at Bottom Lounge to discuss Resolutions, in terms of how it was recorded and the ideas behind some of its songs. We also talked about the songwriters that inspire him, what it was like playing shows with Tommy Stinson, music videos and more.
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