Vancouver’s Hardball puts a new spin on grunge, infusing it with hardcore punk, on the new single ‘Worried As Shit’
Emerging from the rainy coast of Vancouver, BC, Hardball brings you a raw and erratic punk/grunge self-titled debut album. Vocalist/guitarist Scott Budgie channels distressed and agitated emotions into the writing, while drummer Jeremy Head and bassist Jamie Black amplify those feelings of utter frustration, confusion, and absurdity into an energetic and aggressive grunge sound that is permeated by punk and hardcore influences. Their debut single “Worried As Shit” is the perfect introduction to the trio, they comment:
“It’s a perfect initiation to Hardball, it’s an abrupt punk song carried by a rock beat, with vocals coming from a place of confusion and self-deprecation (in typical HARDBALL fashion). It also has a cool recurring noodly riff that crushes and a sudden clean bridge was thrown in to keep the extreme dynamic range thing happening.”
While this is not nostalgic grunge, Hardball has created something innovative and contemporary while still honouring their heroes from the ’90s alternative rock and ’80s punk scenes. They’re having their cake and eating it too, and are offering you a slice.
Turbulent and chaotic, Hardball delivers an enjoyable new album through drums going completely ape all over the place, obnoxious riffing and big low-tuned power chords, and heavily distorted bass guitar. They are recommended for fans of Nirvana, Wipers, and Hüsker Dü.
Hardball‘s self-titled debut album is out July 21st, 2023.
Track Listing:
1. Just A Tree (3:55)
2. Worried As Shit (2:21)
3. NRA (2:33)
4. In The Mail (4:16)
5. Me And You (2:47)
6. Chili (5:55)
7. Talk To Me (5:25)
8. Ian’s Song (2:36)
9. I/O (3:18)
10. Open Air (9:47)
Album Length: 42:57
Album Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Scott Budgie – Vocals, guitars
Jeremy Head – Drums, guitars, synth, backing vocals
Jamie Black – Bass, backing vocals
They have updated their Western Canadian dates for this coming August 2023, which will be in support of their self-titled debut album out on July 21st.
Tour Dates:
Aug 4 – Vancouver, BC – 648 Kingsway – w/ Paul is Dead
Aug 6 – New Westminster, BC – Bully’s Studios
Aug 9 – Nelson, BC – Kootenay Co-op Radio – w/ The Tarholes
Aug 10 – Edmonton, AB – The Buckingham – w/ Take Sides and Umi Yokai
Aug 11 – Calgary, AB – TBA – w/ Pizza Bath
Aug 12 – Oliver, BC – Firehall Brewing
Aug 26 – Salmon Arm, BC – Hogkegger Fest w/ Rad Dog
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