Less than a year on from the release of Hound, this
Chicago-based hyperactive stoner fuzz unit holed up in Bricktop Recording
studios and set out to bring you yet another five-song ripper by the name of
Extraterrestrial. While a couple of these songs have existed in one version or
another since the earliest days of the Hÿss, all have been reworked and updated
to the satisfaction of all involved. The clincher here is the brand-new tune
and title cut “Extraterrestrial.” With commanding yet relatively straightforward
riffs brought to you by bassist Bill Sullivan (guitarist by trade), the song
conjures up apocalyptic visions of UFO fear and obsession including the
abduction of Bill himself as he’s out walking his dog. The result is the Hÿss
at their most cinematic, a definitive high-water mark in their songwriting
powers thus far.
Another track worth a mention is the incomparable “Disco
Frankenstein.” With its Kennedy/Sullivan spun tale of the chainsaw-wielding,
disco-dancing monster, the rollicking tune has been a fan favorite and live
staple for years, but it’s never quite gotten the proper treatment on record
until now. With the help of keyboardist Chris Walsh’s (Chi-Town Kids, the
Hemispheres) stellar performance, the band has finally given Ol’ Frank the full-bodied
musical muscle flex he rightly deserves. Closing out the set is the fully
reworked “In Shadows” (a dark but loving tribute to John Prine) followed by
stone cold Hÿss classics “Panther Slide” and “Wolf Spider.”
As with Hound, the massive sound of Extraterrestrial is
brought to you by Bricktop’s Pete Grossmann (High Priest, Something Is Waiting)
who expertly recorded, mixed and mastered this beast of a record. And to tie it
all together, Romanian collage artist Larisa Murariu was tapped to create the
old school sci-fi/horror themed cover.
Extraterrestrial will be released on April 20th 2020.
Track Listing:
Extraterrestrial
Disco Frankenstein
In Shadows
Panther Slide
Wolf Spider
This is the Hÿss:
Dave Fitzgerald – guitar/vocals
Pat Kennedy – guitar/vocals
Matt McDonald – vocals
Mike Scales – drums
Bill Sullivan – bass
Additional musicians:
Chris Walsh – keyboards on “Disco Frankenstein”
Pete Grossmann – additional vocals on “Extraterrestrial”
Band photo: LuLu Photography
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