The Static
Pravda, 2021
9/10
The Chicago trio Hushdrops have been plugging away for many years now, and this 3rd album sees John San Juan, Joe Camarillo and Jim Shapiro bringing guests like Nora O’Connor, John Perrin and Carolyn Engelman to a raw but very tuneful 14 tracks that were recorded on a first take with a ‘live band energy’.
“Monday” gets the album off to a fuzzy start with thumping drums from Camarillo and Shapiro’s firm bass acrobatics that resonate very much in a ‘90s college-rock sort of way, and this energy continues to the thick and melodic “Psychic Space”, as well as the spacey and more reserved haze of “One Of The Guys”.
Elsewhere, “The Sweetest Plum” is indeed a very sugary, pop influenced rocker that drips in swirling guitar and smooth singing, while “The Moment” offers a jangly, acoustic fueled strummer that might make you think of Evan Dando. “Carrie’s Got Acid” then brings some folk-rock tendencies with female vocals complementing the brief but warm minute of psychedelic nods.
Moving towards the end, “Secrets” flows with a swift and particularly rugged yet tuneful version of their diverse indie-rock, and “I Had A Room” exits the listen with the rhythm section working together with incredible precision amid the spirited guitar work and playful singing from San Juan.
Very tragically, Camarillo passed way unexpectedly as the band were finishing up this album. Considered the heart and soul of the trio, this last body of work from Camarillo highlights his creativity and unparalleled timing and attention to detail, traits that he brought to the many other bands he played in, including Waco Brothers, Kelly Hogan and many others.
Although Hushdrops can never be the same with Camirallo’s presence, let’s hope they still continue, cause these are great pop/psyche/indie tunes that the world needs to hear more of.
Travels well with: Josh Caterer- The Hideout Sessions; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been