Introducing Hopeless Heroic
Words by Ian Dickinson
Genre killers Hopeless Heroic (HH) have one hell of a past and more importantly they have one hell of a future a head of them. HH are a distinctive and formidable new force on the music landscape with their combination of Punk, Metal, classical violin and a melodious Hip Hop flow, but let’s start things off with a true story of epic and almost unbelievable magnitude.
Gavin Bain (Vocals) and his friend decided that they were destined to become world famous Hip Hop stars. The only problem being that they were just two lads from Scotland. Scotland is not famous for its commercial Hip Hop scene and the pair found it difficult to get noticed. The duo known as Silibil N’ Brains, adopted American accents, at first only as a means to get their foot in the door, well they went through that door like Jack Nicholson in the Shining and before they knew it, their pseudo American alter egos saw them signed to Sony, touring with D-12 and hanging out with A-list celebrities. The pressure of the hoax became too much for the pair and luckily for us all things fell apart. If they didn’t maybe there would be no HH and that would be a tearful shame.
Hollywood blockbuster swindles and corporate cuckolding aside, it is time for the really important stuff; HH’s music. HH are a London based quintet which was conceived in January 2007 when Bain met Grant Magnus (Guitar). The pair was joined by classically trained violinist Tony Sabberton (Violin) and a hard rocking; violin brandishing, Hip Hop beast was born. The band is completed by Rob Bayley (Bass) and most recently Dai Knight (Drums) who make a formidable rhythm section that effortlessly drive the numerous styles of the band at a thunderous pace. Knight spoke exclusively to Clink about his feelings on joining the band; “It’s wicked being able to be ridiculously creative all the time, coming up with new ideas and interesting sounds with four stupidly talented musicians who all want to make music we love.”
The band released a five track EP titled Mechanical Lions on their own label in November 2009. I only have one problem with the EP. I want more. Five tracks does not get the monkey off my back. As soon as the last track, Biting Nails And Watching Clocks concludes the haunting tale of a broken man that commits heinous and violent crimes the repeat button is instantly slapped.
The opening track Mechanical Lions demonstrates HH amalgamation of styles magnificently. Bain effortlessly glides from a Hip Hop style that is reminiscent of the smooth style of 90’s classics Souls Of Mischief and The Pharcyde into powerful melodies and intimidating screams. Magnus’ mighty and magnificent riff in Guinea Pig Syndrome is sleazy and infectious. It has been wedged in my head since I first heard it along with Bain’s lyric; “we are puppeteers of discontent.” Sabberton wields his violin with a Shinobi precision garnishing the band with a grandiose, Danny Elfman’esque sound that faultlessly compliments Bain’s lyrics. The violin has an eerie charm that creates a sinister atmosphere through out. The pace of the notes played keeps the whole affair rocking fast. What appeals to me about the violin is the emotion and mood it creates.
As well as the violin, what really stands out and appeals to me about HH are the lyrics. It is the songs narrative that I find captivating. It is refreshing for song lyrics to have purpose and structure rather than just a random combination of sentiments. There is a precision and care taken in each song to tell a story in the manner that it truly deserves. The lyrics are evocative and lucid. I am sure Nick Cave or Nas would be proud to have written such violent, vengeful and touching tracks as Mechanical Lions, You Got What You Deserved and Biting Nails And Watching Clocks.
According to Knight, the band are currently recording their debut full length Become The Monster. Knight claims that he “can’t wait to tour its release in April. We have a mental time on the road and get some funny ass stories out of it!” This is not rock rap. Do not be fooled or allow yourself to be duped by misconceptions and stereotypes. This is the evolution; a hybrid. Very few acts posses a genuinely original sound but HH have achieved this. I can only look forward to the upcoming full length and a tour.
This post is tagged Dai Knight, Gavin Bain, Grant Magnus, Hopeless Heroic, Rob Bayley, Silibil N' Brains, Tony Sabberton
