Initially named "The Hush," the band changed their name to "The Hush Sound" when Geffen Records objected that their name was too similar to rapper Hush. The band consists of Bob Morris on vocals and guitar, Mike Leblanc on bass and vocals, Darren Wilson on drums and vocals, and Greta Salpeter on vocals and piano. Original bassist Chris Faller left the band in October 2008 in order to pursue other musical interests and was replaced by Mike LeBlanc, who had toured with them previously on their "Dance Across the Country Tour".
In 2005 the band released their first studio album So Sudden. Their second studio album, Like Vines, was released in 2006 on Fueled by Ramen.
The Hush Sound was founded by Greta Salpeter and Bob Morris. The two met when Greta was in 7th grade and Bob was in 10th. In the eyes of many of their peers, Bob and Greta were deemed an "odd couple." Bob had always been a player and performer of rock music, whereas Greta was a classical pianist.
By the end of March of 2005, The Hush Sound took their music into the studio to record their debut full-length album. The studio was the Gallery of Carpet located in Villa Park, IL run by owner Brian Zieske. They named it "So Sudden"--a reflection on how quickly things were moving for the band. They released their first album with no label support at the time, but nevertheless sold 300 CDs in two nights.
Five months later, the band began playing shows. They soon gained the attention of Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz. On the day they were streaming "So Sudden" on purevolume, Ryan Ross of Panic at the Disco discovered their page and passed it along to Pete Wentz. Wentz knew Bob from his previous work in Chicago-based band the AUDITION, and, after listening, he sent The Hush Sound an email saying that he was interested in signing them to his Decaydance Records label.
So Sudden was re-released on Decaydance (with some minor lyric changes) and the band soon became a part of the 2006 Black Clouds and Underdogs tour, with Fall Out Boy in the headlining slot and also featuring From First to Last, Hawthorne Heights, and the All-American Rejects. During this time, the band started recording the follow-up to So Sudden, entitled Like Vines, which was produced by Sean O'Keefe and Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump (who also does guest vocals on the song "Don't Wake Me Up").
Like Vines was released on June 6, 2006. In support of the new record, the band went on a summer tour with label mates Panic at the Disco and fellow cabaret-rock band the Dresden Dolls. The album has since sold steadily. The band took a month-long break before beginning another tour with Jack's Mannequin, Copeland, and Daphne Loves Derby.
In November 2006, The Hush Sound embarked on their first headlining tour, supported by This Providence, This Is Me Smiling, and Murder By Death. Since then, they've toured heavily all over the United States with Straylight Run, Spitalfield, HelloGoodbye, Boys Like Girls, and Pablo among others, making stops including the Wiltern in Los Angeles, The Warfield in San Francisco, and the SXSW festival in Austin, TX.
The band's third studio album, Goodbye Blues, was named one of the Most Anticipated Albums of 2008 according to Alternative Press Magazine. "GOODBYE BLUES" was recorded Fall 2007 at North Hollywood's Fairfax Recordings with producer/engineer Kevin Augunas (Cold War Kids, Jon Brion) at the helm. In tracks such as "Honey" and "Medicine Man",The Hush Sound shows influence of Blues, Swing, Rock, and Folk. On January 16th, a press release said that that album would in fact be released on March 18th and that the first single, Honey, would be available for purchase on the iTunes store on February 5th. Goodbye Blues is available for purchase through The Hush Sound's official website. Shortly after the release of Goodbye Blues the band announced an indefinite hiatus.
In August 2012 the band announced a series of fall 2012 tour dates. In Spring 2013, they released an EP, "Forty Five".
City Traffic Puzzle
The Hush Sound Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the dark I'm out of sight
Shadows on the alley wall
Are dancing like a lover's brawl
North, south, east and west
Foreign land is right and left
Don't let them see you cry
Ten degrees without a coat
Don't let them see you cry
I don't want to love you
If love leaves me this cold
I don't want to love you
If love is this alone
Silence couldn't stop the sound
The news and gossip got around
A whisper here, whisper there
I do but don't know why I care
Eyes hang from the sockets of our faces
You said no and I don't think I can take it
This car's caving in
Rains on in the city traffic puzzle
Shifting pieces just like my stomach
We're both so alone
Lovesick and we're sick of it
We're both on the same page
Don't feel the same way
The Hush Sound's City Traffic Puzzle is a deeply evocative and poignant track that is infused with pathos and introspection. The lyrics speak of a state of emotional limbo, where the singer is lost and confused amidst the swirling chaos of the city. The opening lines suggest a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer seeks refuge in the shadowy recesses of the night. The use of visual imagery, such as the dancing shadows and eerie silence, adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the song.
The chorus addresses the idea of love and the singer's perception of it. These lines suggest a weary resignation and a desire to avoid further heartbreak. The tone is somber and reflective, as the singer grapples with the complex and often paradoxical nature of love. The final verse delves deeper into the themes of love and loss, with the singer questioning the motives and intentions of those around them. The vivid imagery of "eyes hanging from the sockets" adds a macabre and haunting element to the song, underscoring the feeling of alienation and disconnection.
Line by Line Meaning
Escape into the eerie night
Flee from reality and into a spooky setting.
In the dark I'm out of sight
Hidden from view, I'm invisible in the darkness.
Shadows on the alley wall
The shades cast by buildings communicate emotions.
Are dancing like a lover's brawl
The shadows move like couples in conflict.
North, south, east and west
All directions are foreign, with no familiar path.
Foreign land is right and left
The entire world is unknown.
Don't let them see you cry
Hide your emotions to maintain composure.
I didn't know which way was home
Lost and unsure of the way back to comfort.
Ten degrees without a coat
Enduring extreme cold without proper attire.
Don't let them see you cry
Conceal sadness to avoid vulnerability.
I don't want to love you
Resisting connection in anticipation of heartbreak.
If love leaves me this cold
Feelings of detachment if romantic affection fails.
I don't want to love you
Avoiding love due to fear of emotional pain.
If love is this alone
Loneliness persists despite being in love.
Silence couldn't stop the sound
Mute protests fail to silence talk about us.
The news and gossip got around
Rumors spread like wildfire, everyone finds out.
A whisper here, whisper there
Conversations among others about our relationship.
I do but don't know why I care
Feeling confused about the level of emotional investment.
Eyes hang from the sockets of our faces
Substantial weariness presents itself as deep exhaustion.
You said no and I don't think I can take it
Rejection is devastating and takes time to process.
This car's caving in
Travelling in a failing vehicle, enduring a tough situation.
Rains on in the city traffic puzzle
A metaphor to personify the rush and chaos of a busy city.
Shifting pieces just like my stomach
The turmoil of city life mimics the upset of an anxious heart.
We're both so alone
Feeling solitary despite being together.
Lovesick and we're sick of it
Wishing for relief from the pain of romance.
We're both on the same page
Sharing similar feelings about our relationship.
Don't feel the same way
Despite our similarities, the depth of emotion is not equal.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
just me
on Sweet Tangerine
My read- A metaphorical song about the desperation a jilted lover feels and the power that comes from experiencing such a consuming obsession.