Hillsboro – White Trash

Hillsboro – White Trash – EP Review

Here’s what I can tell you for certain – Hillsboro is one of the most exciting bands to see out there in the scene onstage right now.  I had the opportunity to check them out when I hit up The Rickshaw earlier this month when I was at the EP release party for la lune, and lemme tell ya, thanks to the outright epic performance that Hillsboro put on, the stage was primed for success throughout the entire night.  For what could easily be a headlining band, to see this five-piece come out to crush an opening spot as hard as they did was like pure joy for me.  You want that like…you know…kind of competition that actually encourages everybody to go out there and give it their best – and it takes some real effort on part of the first act up to establish that in a four-band lineup.  Hillsboro not only exceeded every expectation I could have had, but I heard more than one murmur in the crowd wondering if the rest of the bands that would follow them that night could compete with what they just witnessed – my own voice included.  Couple guitars, a bass, drums, and a violinist as well, they’re part Punk, part Hardcore, part Alternative…you get it, they’re a hybrid with many dimensions and a metric ton of potential.  I didn’t know them before I saw that show, but you can bet your ass I’ve got Hillsboro on my radar and playlists from this point forward.

Speaking of that…*cough *cough…they’ve got a show coming up on June 14^th back at The Rickshaw if you find yourself in need of some killer entertainment and kickass music…just sayin.’

Being as objective as I’m capable of, the facts speak for themselves – Hillsboro ain’t half-assin’ anything, and they’ve got bulletproof material.  If you’re not completely hooked by “sleep dealrrr” immediately within its first twenty seconds or so, then you’re dead inside and you should probably get that checked out by a professional.  While their weapons are many as a five-piece band, there’s zero doubt that their singer Nima Walker might very well be their biggest advantage…the dude’s just completely aces through and through.  Hillsboro knows what they’re doing all-around though…the band is remarkably tight for the thrashy Alt-Pop sound you’ll find in a track like “sleep dealrrr,” and the consistent uniqueness that Dexter Hodgins brings through his violin always makes a massive impact in terms of the extra character and color in their sound.  “sleep dealrrr” almost has this like…jeez…what is it…is it like, old Pedro The Lion-esque type of sound?  Something like “Magazine” in the way the vocals work their magic in the verses?  It could be that.  The real point is that Nima has a completely gripping sound to his voice that is sure to get people listening, and his ability to create both irresistibly addictive melodies and rage filled screams reveals equally enticing results.  Dude can go from a thought-provoking, internalized style of emotion in his voice, to taking things to eleven without a hint of warning.  The hooks in a song like “sleep dealrrr” are guaranteed to last just as much as they’re guaranteed to have you coming back for more…essentially, you might TRY to wear this song out, but make no mistake, YOU WILL FAIL.  I ain’t gonna lie to ya…I don’t think there’s a wasted second to be found on this EP and it’s impossible to really choose one of these songs over the others…BUT…fuck…”sleep dealrrr” is so expertly designed, played, and performed that if you were to say this song had the edge over the others, I might still be inclined to agree.  As a first impression of Hillsboro’s recorded work, I was completely stoked to find this song, and just as blown away by the fact that they didn’t play “sleep dealrrr” live when I saw them after I looked back on the set-list!  How in the hell?  You see what I’m saying folks?  Hillsboro might be fairly new to the scene in the grand scheme of things being about five years into their career so far, but to not be playing “sleep dealrrr” at every show really speaks to the depth that already exists in their catalog y’all.

Killer bass from Tucker Hoey and pounding beats from his partner Oliver Hollingshead on the drums in the rhythm section establish a heavy groove and reliable base for their title-track to reveal its dynamics.  It’s because of what they do that Hillsboro can add other elements in a looser construct, which in turn ends up making a song like “White Trash” stand out for all the right reasons.  Whether it’s the cleverness of the way that Samuel Wells adds in the searing guitar tones, or what Dexter creates in his controlled melodic chaos, or the all-out fucking rampage that Nima goes on with his vocals and guitar – “White Trash” is audibly MENACING.  Strong enough to take your lunch money from ya, this is where Hillsboro reminds me a little bit more of what Fey used to be like…they’re monstrously potent like that, but they also possess a way higher degree of accessibility that will actually reach people.  The middle song on the EP, this was also the final song they played when I saw them at The Rickshaw, and even in its recorded version here, it’s easy to understand how the antics of this cut lend themselves to becoming a powerful finale that’ll leave a lasting impression.  Nima’s still a young dude, and that plays to his advantage – even in a couple more years, singing this song with the intensity that he does will require some instant hot tea or a fucking oxygen tank to recover from the battering he puts his vocal chords through.  I’m absolutely 100% here for it though…I think Walker is going to lead this band to where they need to go, and knowing that he can fully rely on each of Hillsboro’s members to bring their A-game to every moment…I mean…it’s a recipe for success, full stop.  For as truly wild as a track like “White Trash” IS, I think a lot of listeners out there will be outright shocked at how much they enjoy being screamed at, or listening to a song that sounds as tangibly dangerous & mischievous as this cut does.  Like…I’m not suggesting that if you’re regularly tuning into the Adult Contemporary section that you’re immediately going to leave it behind forever for Hillsboro, though if you had any taste that’d be the case – but the point is that whether or not you’re a fan of Metal, Alternative, Grunge, Hardcore, etc. etc. – Hillsboro is giving you a dozen reasons to turn a track like “White Trash” UP as far as your system can handle it.  The rumble and shake of this song is straight-up deadly…the raw personality and supercharged charisma of the band is clearly on display throughout this cut…”White Trash” is a perfect example of what it sounds like when you’re truly holding nothing back.  They unleash the beast with this title-track, and I’m fucking loving it.

All this undeniable awesomeness, and I’d still be the first to tell you that it was actually “Fell” that was the cut that turned me into the stark raving Stan of Hillsboro that I’ve become.  Seeing this song live is like…bucket list level stuff y’all…if you haven’t witnessed Hillsboro tear you the proverbial new one whilst playing this song by the time you’re ready to pack it all in, did you even really live while you were alive?  If there is one ultimate example of how the band is able to demonstrate significant highlights to be found in what every player brings to Hillsboro, “Fell” is likely it.  What Dexter does in this track right as they hit the switch into the chorus is brilliantly innovative and one of the most unexpected hooks you’ll ever stumble across.  Huge hooks ripping from the guitars of Nima & Samuel.  The steadiest of bass lines from Tucker.  Arguably the most compelling & versatile performance from Oliver that you’ll find on the entire record.  Vocals that will BLOW THE REST OF YOUR MIND.  Nima finds a way to go from this immaculately wild degree of accessibility, to damn near morphing into Chino Moreno when it comes time to lay you out with the chorus of “Fell.”  I’m tellin’ ya…this track has got it all, and will show you that Hillsboro is a verifiable force to be reckoned with that is not to be rivaled when at its full strength.  In so many ways, I feel like Hillsboro has got the sound I’m constantly searching for out there in this independent scene we share, with the level of skill and commitment they need to become successful.

So hells YES I’m excited – you will be too.  After seeing them play live, I can tell you firsthand I know they’ve got even more amazing material ready to roll out, and I feel like no matter how great they are now, their best years are still in their future ahead without a doubt.  That’s really saying something when you consider how damn good this EP really is.  As always, I’d tell ya if I thought there was anything they could be doing better than they already are, but the reality is, for as much as I’ve ranted and raved about this record, Hillsboro’s pretty much left me speechless when it comes right down to it.  This short set of songs speaks volumes on its own behalf…they don’t need me to advocate on their behalf, but I’m happy to do that nonetheless.  The White Trash EP is pure fucking gold…there’s no other way to hear it.

If you somehow want a little more bang for your buck (then what the fuck is wrong with you?), you can also check the White Trash EP out at Bandcamp, where it comes with an additional intro in “POV,” a demo version of “White Trash,” and an acoustic treatment of “Fell” as well.  The core three tracks are still going to be the main ones that convince ya, clinch your support, and pledging to give Hillsboro your first born child…but don’t get it twisted, if there’s more Hillsboro to be listened to, you can count me in.

Find out more about Hillsboro from their official page at Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/hillsboroinc

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