Somebody Spoke

Buzz can be a major boon to an up-and-coming band, but it can also be a real momentum killer, creating unrealistic expectations for a group too young and inexperienced to deliver the big time goods. So you'll be forgiven for being slightly skeptical about this band from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who were signed to the U.S.' premiere grunge label at the height of the post-Nirvana signing frenzy. Fortunately, the Hardship Post don't try to fill anyone's shoes, and actually seem pretty damn comfy in their own. Instead of the in-the-red aural overload preferred by Seattle's finest, this trio keeps their sound as sparse and simple as possible for a guitar rock band. The only real Nirvana connection here is in guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Lippa's slightly skewed songwriting, which features catchy minor-key chord progressions, intelligent lyrics, and memorable choruses even Kurt Cobain would be proud of. Songs like "Slick Talkin' Jack," "New Wave," and "Garbagetruck" may subtly evoke memories of the more famous trio, but the Hardship Post has a quirky style all their own that makes them stick out among the mid-'90s crop of Nirvana wannabes like a sore thumb.