A group of friends came down to the Crypt to help us record a few parts for the new Album. This video is the footage from of one of the songs that we recorded that night. Thanks to everyone who came. It was a magical night. The bell chimes at the end of the track actually struck in real time on this take, as we all held our breath waiting for Ed to stop the tape.
The First Release by Hope&Social and what a stormer of an EP this is. 5 Gorgeous tracks recorded in a church crypt in deepest West Yorkshire.
1. Daylight Came 2. These Walls 3. Heaven Falls 4. Raise A Glass 5. Buzzer Goes
By buying this record you are helping a small indie label fund the release of the rather special debut Hope&Social album later in the year.
You are also buying something that has taken 12 unfunded months to create and we're really proud of that... The CD comes in a limited edition 100% recycled package - adorned with original artworks by the band themselves.
......life, for Hope&Social, started one drunken night in the Grove pub in Leeds in April 2007; a place indicative of modern England: a traditional pub hemmed in on all sides by Leeds’ garish glass giants and the cement palaces of new-wealth. Hope&Social wanted to create something to reflect this, something more than just a set of songs but a statement on English culture. Singer Simon Wainwright reflects:
“We wanted to make an album that was important. An album that wasn't just another set of love songs, but about the state of our lives and our homes; about our communities. We talked about Springsteen and his biography of his American home. We talked of Arcade Fire. We talked about Astral Weeks. We talked of Bowie. We talked about making something that matters.”
Time for change.
Hope&Social wanted to the sound of the classic albums of 3 decades ago, but positioned against a modern backdrop. A suitably classic sound for songs which are part call-to-arms, part lament. Dark but exalted tracks penned with brutal but measured guitars and lush vocal harmonies. Add in an ancient ‘knees-up’ piano and a ‘73 Rhodes, and you are only getting close.
A desire to keep the recording as live as possible and capture the magic of the writing process on tape led the band to the immediate ambiance of a church crypt in deepest West Yorkshire. The sound is lush, brooding and celebratory:
‘Sieved from the malaise of many a drunken rant we had some kind of idea of what we wanted to talk about: of Englishness and home and what it means to we five. Of simplicity and customs, and of God. ‘If it feels good turn it up’ / Fender Champ / a long list of drum fills / a child's accordion... All these things were thrown in the pot and we melded a selection of songs that I have never felt so excited about. They are real and they are us.’
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There is a revealing new interview with the band here: Frogcast Podcast!
Tucked away on the www site only: H&S on pre-recorded slot on Channel M(Manchester), songs & interview, the boys TONIGHT 10pm on Virgin 808 and Virgin 203.
Thurs.26th Oct Verve, Leeds(FREE!) Hayley Gaftarnick's regular Thursday acoustic billings, 26th includes Fay&Latta).
Sat.1st Nov. The Primrose Pub, 280 Meanwood Rd, Leeds(fundraiser for Martin House Childrens Hospice + Yorkshire Cancer Centre. 5-11p.£3).
Sun.2nd Nov. Mr. Foley's, Leeds.
Fri.28th Nov. The Duchess (York), York. Sun.30th Nov.The Blues Bar, Harrogate.
Brilliant gig on Thursday guys. Thanks for a top night of quality music. Next time you play London me and Annette will get the next day off from work and we should have a few beers.
god! People are ass holes! I love anti climax chorus in daylight came, its so much better than doing the obvious thing! and it grows and grows and grows on you! so tom (the reviewer) can fuck off! x
Saw you guys several times as FDH and am absolutely loving this new Hope and Social the Vid really gave me goosebumps is amazing, keep up the great work.. xx
heyy guys that new video of yours is awesome made the hairs stand on the back of my neck keep up the good work guys cant wait for the new album =] and if you woudnt mind doing some gigs in the lincolnshire area.. haha x
It was sooooo much fun last night singing at the church guys. Cant wait to hear the album! From the sounds of last night, its going to be simply marvellous.
Now then! Fibbers was brillianto! A pleasure to be at the (1st?) hope and social gig :) The new stuff is tres bien. I especially like Heaven Falls. Especially whilst watching Ash beat the life out of his drums throughout the entirety of the song! Looked like hard work!! Hehee! :) Was Jason rebelling by wearing a 4DH t-shirt? ;) I hope Simon is feeling a bit less nervous about saying "We are Hope & Social". Say it loud and proud. People will follow you no matter what your name is and those that don't like it will get used to it in no time. I hope the rest of 2008 rocks big stylee. Winston x
