The Hint - The black & white album - CD Review
by Angela Francisco"If you've got something to say, SAY IT! Say it to my face... There's no one in your way..." - Say It
Straight-forward and to the point, The Hint's self-titled black and white album is both playful and direct.
Infectious and bouncy, "Rome Burns" is stuck in my head again with it's chorus of "I -- Can't -- Wait -- to see you." It's like being in high school all over again, listening to my best guy friend, who I had a crush on, talk about all the things you talk about when your parents aren't listening. It's strange the things that go through my mind when I listen to music. I'm envisioning my friends and I forming a kickline to the song. It's fun. There aren't too many songs I have fun listening to, but this is one of them.
In fact, much of theHint's debut album is very upbeat, and quick-stepped. It's charming somehow. The lyrics are simply sophisticated and at times downright sweet...
There's something really endearing about Joe Jayson's lead vocals and the simple harmonies provided by bassist, Peter Osbourne. It's a touch of rock, a touch of ska punk, and a little bit of a Clash-meets-Greenday tossed together.
This is not an album for the Nine Inch Nails, Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica types... nor is it an album for the Norah Jones, or James Taylor types. However, if you like the upbeat energy of local bands like the Jellybricks and Negative Space, TheHint may be what you're looking for.
I do have to wonder what blend of coffee Denis Pachas, the drummer, drinks...and where I can get some.
If I'm in the mood to dance around the house like a fool, The Hint would be one of the albums in the CD player.
I met the members of TheHint at the Dewey Beach Music Festival and Conference back in August of 2002. What impressed me about the band at the time was that a three-piece band could sound like a full 5 piece. They're a very tight band with a lot of quick changes and hyperactive rhythms. They performed only one cover, and it remains one of very few covers of Beatles songs that I've actually liked.
Since then, I've been in contact with Joe quite often. He tells me that they have recently been signed to BlindSpot Records, and will be touring soon.
Sound clips and the ability to purchase their album can be found on their web site: http://www.thehint.com.
Thank you for reading.
-Angela