Produced by David Newton of The Mighty Lemon Drops and released in October of 2009, the debut climbed independent radio top 100 charts. All the while, the band had already finished recording album number two.
After a tour of the west coast, The Hush Now went back into the studio and put the finishing touches on their sophomore effort, Constellations which hits radio in the US and UK in Feb 2010. Of the album’s first single, Hoping and Waiting, the UK Music Review writes, “a little Stone Roses, a dash of Guided By Voices, a smidgen of Flaming Lips and a dose of Yo La Tengo; one of those classic pop tunes that pop up from time to time and catch you pleasantly off guard. This is superior indie pop from a band well worth keeping a very close eye and ear on.”
Like their debut, ‘Constellations’ pounds along at a blistering, powerful pace, and gladly the invention and surprises are all still there. Among the many standouts, ‘Thorns’ successfully employs some U2-style delayed guitar rhythms before it’s controlled pressure cooker lets fly with a soaring atmospheric trumpet solo. This is their transient, festival-headlining moment it seems. “Haven’t you had enough already?” Noel Kelly chant’s as the brakes gently come on. “No” is the answer actually, as they then effortlessly dispense ‘All You’ve Said and Done’, all stop-start blunt rock riffs with a sheen of retro keyboard sounds and subtle horns teasing out every bit of feeling. (Americana UK)
“Shiver Me Starships,” is The Hush Now’s 3rd release in as many years. With the band’s line-up secured including Adam Quane (lead guitar), Barry Marino (drums), John Millar (keys), Pat MacDonald (Bass), and Noel Kelly (vocals/guitar), The Hush Now bunkered down to write and record in May and June in Boston, MA. Produced by The Hush Now and aided by the talents of Benny Grotto (mixing) and Jeff Lipton (mastering), “Shiver Me Starships,” is a powder-keg effort boasting soaring vocals over The Hush Now’s unique melancholy AM Gold groove that pulses behind curtains of melodic guitar. The band has not abandoned their sonic trademark but rather, have expanded and taken their sound to the next level. This is the work of a confident and mature band ready to make an impact.
The Hush Now are preparing for a tour of the US around SXSW this spring. And as Ian Fildes at Americana UK points out, “with album number three, amazingly, already in the pipeline The Hush Now are in danger of lapping the competition.”
Roleplay
The Hush Now Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Betraying for the moment
We say no, but still want more
For sentimental reasons
Not trying to deceive you
Just because your love is gone
While mine goes on and on?
And you?re holding steady
As I fumble in the dark
You?re lost dreaming
And I?m almost ready
As we stumble through our parts
? disguising the intentions
Just to know what it feels like
To dig for hidden treasures
And disregard the dangers
Just because they say it?s wrong
But still lead on and on?
Open your eyes
Open your eyes
But hold it and hold it and hold on longer
Open your eyes
Open your eyes
But hold it and hold it
And hold then let it go
The Hush Now's song "Roleplay" tells the story of a fading relationship where one person is constantly betraying the other for the thrill of the moment. The song questions whether they're really trying to deceive each other or if they're just caught up in the sentimentality of the situation. The lyrics describe the struggle to hold on to love while being pulled in different directions, constantly testing the boundaries of what's right and wrong.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer acknowledging that they're sliding out of favor and betraying their partner for the thrill of the moment. Despite this, they still want more, driven by sentimental reasons. The second verse depicts the singer trying to hide their intentions, disguising them from their partner in order to feel the rush of hidden treasures. The chorus then urges the partner to open their eyes, to hold on to what they have and withstand the temptations that come their way.
The song is a catchy indie rock tune that oscillates between dreamy and jarring, building up to an explosive outro that lands on a soulful plea to let go of what's holding them back. The lyrics depict a universal struggle of two people trying to hold on to love as they navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. With its subtle nods to role-playing, the song speaks to the masks we put on in relationships, either to avoid hurting the other person or to deceive ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep sliding out of favor
I keep losing popularity or favoritism among my peers or society.
Betraying for the moment
I am unfaithful or disloyal to someone or something, just for a temporary feeling.
We say no, but still want more
Even though we refuse or deny something, we still crave or desire it.
For sentimental reasons
We have an emotional attachment or connection to something or someone.
Not trying to deceive you
I don't intend to mislead or lie to you.
Just because your love is gone
Your love or admiration is no longer present.
While mine goes on and on?
While my love or feelings perseveres.
Getting closer
We're gradually becoming closer, either physically or emotionally.
And you’re holding steady
You're remaining stable or firm, despite external factors.
As I fumble in the dark
I'm struggling or having difficulty with something, without direction or guidance.
You’re lost dreaming
You're wandering aimlessly or idealizing something, in a state of slumber or unconsciousness.
And I?m almost ready
I'm almost prepared or willing to do something.
As we stumble through our parts
We're struggling or making mistakes while trying to perform or play a role.
? disguising the intentions
We're concealing or hiding our true motives or goals.
Just to know what it feels like
We're doing something simply to experience or understand the sensation or emotion.
To dig for hidden treasures
We're searching for valuable or meaningful things that are not immediately apparent or readily available.
And disregard the dangers
We're ignoring or neglecting the potential risks or hazards associated with our actions.
Just because they say it’s wrong
We're doing something that is considered taboo or forbidden by others.
But still lead on and on?
But we continue to persevere or persist in our behavior, despite the disapproval of others.
Open your eyes
I am urging you to become aware or conscious.
But hold it and hold it and hold on longer
But don't rush or let go too quickly, procrastinate before making a decision or action.
And hold it and hold it
Keep holding back or postponing.
And hold then let it go
Eventually, let go or make a decision or action.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kuro Midori
I think that guitar needs to hush a bit, jeez.