Hope & The Husbands – “Separation Anxiety”
Hope & The Husbands is a band of Mormons, originally from Utah, who moved to the Boston area. Led by Hope Pirro- Purtle- Wenzl she is indeed married to the three male musicians which I imagine must lead to some interesting band practices.
Hope is formerly Hope Zimmerman and she was, indeed, married to Bob Dylan (Zimmerman being his real last name) and she was not, indeed, married to George Zimmerman, the wholesome community leader in Florida.
This is all well and good, Slimedog, but what about the music you ask?
Well, they describe themselves as a rock’n’roll band with punk and hardcore influences and to be honest, we weren’t exactly sure why we covered them. As truth be told they are one of the few bands on our site that don’t fall into the category of punk, metal or hardcore.
But seeing them live recently at their cd release party and listening to this CD, I feel not only do they belong here but they are one of the few bands that we cover that have the sound and spirit of ’77 for me. And it may just be my opinion but you must remember, I was back there when this all started and few bands make me feel like I’m back there again like these guys.
The album was produced by their new bassist and most recent husband of Hope’s, Thomas Wenzl, who we know better as T.J. a soundman of the Midway. He does a great job of producing a raw, rough edged but technically solid sound and though with him being from Seattle people might think of grunge, I sense a more of a riot-grrrl feel to the proceedings.
Let’s spin a few tunes off the album, shall we?
“Hate Fuck” starts off with a bass line and beat that reminds me a little of the Iggy Pop song “Lust For Life” then Hope’s high, emotional voice comes in recalling the late, great Poly Styrene of early, underrated English punk band X-Ray Spex. The guitar joins in to pummel the song into your mind, guts and spine. There’s a little spot where the guitar and bass drop out but soon reenter to take this song out that is short, precise and effective.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05 Hate Fuck.mp3|titles=Hate Fuck]
“Z Shock” has always been my favorite song by them and a favorite to see it performed live. It’s a very personal song that’s about Hope losing her brother to suicide. An almost Black Sabbath-like metalish guitar backs up the anguished vocals and the drummer, Jaymes Purtle, adds supportive percussion. He is formerly of the Red Line Rebels and we think of him as one of the best and versatile drummers we know. “I never had the time to say goodbye. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.” The recording is great but seeing this song performed live is amazing.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/07 Z Shock.mp3|titles=Z Shock]
The next song start with able guitarist Chris Pirro playing a guitar line by his lonesome before the drums invite everyone in. What started as a possible metal tune is transformed into a garage/punk song with a strong, garage guitar line. It does revert to the metalish part where Hope’s vocals remind me of Courtney Love, another great female singer. This is a song that ping-pongs back and forth between two great parts, is awesomely arranged and is kind of a focal point of the album. It’s also one of its best songs.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/04 Emotionally Challenged.mp3|titles=Emotionally Challenged]
“Backyard Boner” has a chord and guitar line intro that accelerates into a slashing, bashing song that has the sides of the speakers quaking in fear of being destroyed. Hope’s vocals yelp along holding certain notes long as suddenly the production tone changes and the bass and vocals drop out. But not for long as all join forces once again to ride this potent song out to a quick, satisfying finish,
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/10 Backyard Boner.mp3|titles=Backyard Boner]
So how is this punk again, you may ask? Well, you’re reading the words of someone who thinks Johnny Cash is more punk than John Lydon, that Jerry Lee Lewis is more punk than Joey Ramone. It’s an intangible feeling sometimes, at best, but it’s true feeling, nonetheless.
Check out the live review and check this band out live- that’s where they really shine. But that’s where all great bands and music come alive- in the moment, in the nightclubs, in the experience with others.
I truly can’t wait to see them again.
Hope you get to see Hope & her husbands, too.
(Slimedog)
