HOME
WILDNESS ON APRIL 7TH
posted by H. at
2:28 PM
3/19/09
3/6/09
3/5/09
At the Echoplex w/ Larytta, Girls & Nosaj Thing - March 16
Should be a great night! Larytta is from Switzerland and makes amazing electronic music. Girls is from San Fran and is rad. And Nosaj Thing makes some amazing beats and is from LA.
Being put on by our friends DUBLAB and FoF Music.
ECHOPLEX
Labels: dublab, echoplex, Girls, Larytta, Nosaj Thing, performance, poster
posted by H. at
12:22 PM
3/3/09
LIVE on the radio - KSCR Los Angeles - FRIDAY 03.06.09
Listen to a live show and interview on KSCR from 1:00 - 2:00 PM this friday March 6th.
Stream it live HERE.
Stream it live HERE.
Labels: KSCR, Live, performance, poster, radio show
posted by H. at
1:50 PM
2/10/09
To: Arthur Russell - Presented by Dublab & KXLU
We will be performing some songs inspired by Arthur Russell at Part Time Punks. Eric Layer will be joining us as well as Rob Doran, Fay Davis-Jeffers, and Butchy Fuego of Pit er Pat. The documentary about A.R. will be shown downstairs in the Echoplex at 8:00.
FREE before 10PM
Labels: Arthur Russell, dublab, Eric Layer, KXLU, performance, Pit er Pat, poster
posted by H. at
10:56 PM
2/9/09
1/29/09
1/25/09
1/4/09
1/3/09
"So, if you realize that your relationships have all failed or are going to fail because you are a defective human being, then this album is for you."
We were a little late finding this, but it's well worth the read.
Getting Used to Being Different
By: Jack LaPorte
Hecuba's debut EP, "SIR", on Manimal Vinyl, is an incredibly self-conscious release that explores the inherent dissatisfaction of some relationships and reveals, that, sometimes, the thing that makes you an awful human being can also be your best attribute. The album, reminiscent of the Glass Candy style of female vocals with electronic, dancy beats and italo-disco style, recalls all of those tearful nights spent alone thinking of where you went wrong in your last relationship while your roommate is trying to quietly have sex on the bottom bunk.
I'm not going to go into the mythology that the duo's name alludes to (that would be really, really long), but, suffice it to say that its Greek background offers a new understanding of the album's tone, which is that of a woman gone mad in the midst of male hegemony. As Isabelle Albuquerque sings her precious, emotionally-sadomasochistic heart out, she brings us into her sexual world. The listener can sense the ambiguity expressed by her voice; for Albuquerque, a traditional loving relationship is virtually unattainable and, at the same time, almost undesirable. Underneath that, are Jon Beasley's uncomfortable and awkward dubs, which add more depth to Albuquerque's vocals.
The EP opens with the title track "Sir," in which Isabelle sings to an anonymous tom cat about her emotional and sexual independence, immediately sets the sexually-challenged mood as the atmospheric dub leaves. Repeatedly, she boasts that she will not simply "roll over" and that she can "fly high" and "fly solo," which seems to hint that masturbation makes his penis obsolete. But just as the castrated sir walks away with his head hung low, she calls out to him, "But that don't mean I don't love you!"
The album then sounds the whistle of a train, alerting the listener to avert his or her gaze, as it is about to make its way into a tunnel. (Hey, I know a good phallus when I see or, in this case, hear one.) The whistle is short lived, awkward, and almost tribal as the primal instincts take over for the next minute and a half to an anti-climactic, pathetically weakened choo-choo. Despite what seems disappointing, the track fades into purring as "Sir" offers some suspicious reassurances, as the woman inexplicably marvels at her fantasy becoming reality.
That's only the first half of the 22 minute long EP, which, in my opinion, is worth its weight in iPods. What makes this album so good, aside from the obvious emotional and sexual confusion, is its eclectic nature, causing it to range from self-conscious dub dance tracks to ironic doo-wop. Though the sounds vary from track to track, the album is always danceable. That said, I don't recommend that you dance with anyone to any of these songs. If I see it, I will look at you and your partner and make fart noises with my mouth, because you are precisely the kind of person that Hecuba realizes she doesn't want to be by the final track of the album (a Lucky Dragons remix that illustrates the disgusting nature of normal people sex).
So, if you realize that your relationships have all failed or are going to fail because you are a defective human being, then this album is for you. The music sets you up, the lyrics knock you down, and the length gives you enough time to listen to the whole thing before you fall asleep in your own bed, alone.
LINK
Getting Used to Being Different
By: Jack LaPorte
Hecuba's debut EP, "SIR", on Manimal Vinyl, is an incredibly self-conscious release that explores the inherent dissatisfaction of some relationships and reveals, that, sometimes, the thing that makes you an awful human being can also be your best attribute. The album, reminiscent of the Glass Candy style of female vocals with electronic, dancy beats and italo-disco style, recalls all of those tearful nights spent alone thinking of where you went wrong in your last relationship while your roommate is trying to quietly have sex on the bottom bunk.
I'm not going to go into the mythology that the duo's name alludes to (that would be really, really long), but, suffice it to say that its Greek background offers a new understanding of the album's tone, which is that of a woman gone mad in the midst of male hegemony. As Isabelle Albuquerque sings her precious, emotionally-sadomasochistic heart out, she brings us into her sexual world. The listener can sense the ambiguity expressed by her voice; for Albuquerque, a traditional loving relationship is virtually unattainable and, at the same time, almost undesirable. Underneath that, are Jon Beasley's uncomfortable and awkward dubs, which add more depth to Albuquerque's vocals.
The EP opens with the title track "Sir," in which Isabelle sings to an anonymous tom cat about her emotional and sexual independence, immediately sets the sexually-challenged mood as the atmospheric dub leaves. Repeatedly, she boasts that she will not simply "roll over" and that she can "fly high" and "fly solo," which seems to hint that masturbation makes his penis obsolete. But just as the castrated sir walks away with his head hung low, she calls out to him, "But that don't mean I don't love you!"
The album then sounds the whistle of a train, alerting the listener to avert his or her gaze, as it is about to make its way into a tunnel. (Hey, I know a good phallus when I see or, in this case, hear one.) The whistle is short lived, awkward, and almost tribal as the primal instincts take over for the next minute and a half to an anti-climactic, pathetically weakened choo-choo. Despite what seems disappointing, the track fades into purring as "Sir" offers some suspicious reassurances, as the woman inexplicably marvels at her fantasy becoming reality.
That's only the first half of the 22 minute long EP, which, in my opinion, is worth its weight in iPods. What makes this album so good, aside from the obvious emotional and sexual confusion, is its eclectic nature, causing it to range from self-conscious dub dance tracks to ironic doo-wop. Though the sounds vary from track to track, the album is always danceable. That said, I don't recommend that you dance with anyone to any of these songs. If I see it, I will look at you and your partner and make fart noises with my mouth, because you are precisely the kind of person that Hecuba realizes she doesn't want to be by the final track of the album (a Lucky Dragons remix that illustrates the disgusting nature of normal people sex).
So, if you realize that your relationships have all failed or are going to fail because you are a defective human being, then this album is for you. The music sets you up, the lyrics knock you down, and the length gives you enough time to listen to the whole thing before you fall asleep in your own bed, alone.
LINK
Labels: Jack LaPorte, press, Sir EP
posted by H. at
9:42 PM
Hecuba in "THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2009" in Citybeat
THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2009
Why wait for last year?
..."
HECUBA, YOURS
(No label or release date set)
Singer Isabelle Albuquerque (whose grandmother was a Tunisian bandleader) made the Yoko Ono reference herself on this year’s excellent Sir EP; now she recalls unstoppables like Patti Smith and Annette Peacock over crystalline production by partner Jon Beasley. Lee Perry would appreciate the ethic (sampling sirens for the hypnotic “Miles Away,” the love-supreme bells that intro “Magic,” the thundering cat’s purr that holds together “Tom and Jerry”) and Arthur Russell would appreciate the aesthetic. An album of mutant electro-disco songs that bloom like ink into water. (CZ)"...
FULL ARTICLE HERE
More news about our new record coming soon...
First drop: the title is "Paradise."
Why wait for last year?
..."
HECUBA, YOURS
(No label or release date set)
Singer Isabelle Albuquerque (whose grandmother was a Tunisian bandleader) made the Yoko Ono reference herself on this year’s excellent Sir EP; now she recalls unstoppables like Patti Smith and Annette Peacock over crystalline production by partner Jon Beasley. Lee Perry would appreciate the ethic (sampling sirens for the hypnotic “Miles Away,” the love-supreme bells that intro “Magic,” the thundering cat’s purr that holds together “Tom and Jerry”) and Arthur Russell would appreciate the aesthetic. An album of mutant electro-disco songs that bloom like ink into water. (CZ)"...
FULL ARTICLE HERE
More news about our new record coming soon...
First drop: the title is "Paradise."
Labels: LA Citybeat, New Album, press
posted by H. at
5:49 PM
12/17/08
Limewire Article + Interview by Al Sotack
HECUBA Talk About the Past and the Future
"It took me fourteen seconds upon first hearing Hecuba's debut EP Sir before becoming totally enamored of the Los Angeles duo. That's the moment Isabelle Albuquerque lends her opening "hey" to Jon Beasley's busy, subtle dub; the first, singular instant you can hear the perfect mesh of juxtaposed influences, a theme that seems to run legion through Sir. From the opening track's overt shout-out to Yoko Ono to the two at their most danceable, Hecuba draw from the widest spectrum of pop to produce their smart, cabaret electro. But of all the dualities integrated on Sir —the first of a set of supposedly themed EPs to be released by Manimal Vinyl — perhaps the most immediately striking, even more so than their combination of the stoic/avant and the openly hilarious, is their ability to sound both frantic and serene, often at the same time. It's like staring into the cold, blank eyes of a mass murderer whose calm reserve hides a spastic, wily heart that beats boiling blood as fast as his mind flashes vulgar visions. Both Isabelle and Jon took the time to chat via email regarding the history and future of Hecuba, as well as their friends' bands, cinema, and space opera."
READ MORE...
"It took me fourteen seconds upon first hearing Hecuba's debut EP Sir before becoming totally enamored of the Los Angeles duo. That's the moment Isabelle Albuquerque lends her opening "hey" to Jon Beasley's busy, subtle dub; the first, singular instant you can hear the perfect mesh of juxtaposed influences, a theme that seems to run legion through Sir. From the opening track's overt shout-out to Yoko Ono to the two at their most danceable, Hecuba draw from the widest spectrum of pop to produce their smart, cabaret electro. But of all the dualities integrated on Sir —the first of a set of supposedly themed EPs to be released by Manimal Vinyl — perhaps the most immediately striking, even more so than their combination of the stoic/avant and the openly hilarious, is their ability to sound both frantic and serene, often at the same time. It's like staring into the cold, blank eyes of a mass murderer whose calm reserve hides a spastic, wily heart that beats boiling blood as fast as his mind flashes vulgar visions. Both Isabelle and Jon took the time to chat via email regarding the history and future of Hecuba, as well as their friends' bands, cinema, and space opera."
READ MORE...
posted by H. at
6:09 PM
12/10/08
11/23/08
11/13/08
LA Weekly Article by John Payne
"Hecuba: Tranforming the Visual into the Musical"
"When it comes to getting profoundly immersed in a piece of art or music, one method is to allow yourself to get a bit confused by what you’re trying to perceive — but just a little. You do want to fall into a hole, but you want to know that you can still crawl out of that hole eventually and see all your friends again. Because it’s lonely at the bottom of an art hole.
Local beat-combo/art-and-film aggregate Hecuba is a prime source for such satisfying confusion. This duo comprises the very interesting Isabelle Albuquerque and Jon Beasley, who began their fertile creative partnership in a steamy bog in the deep, deep South. After a move to NYC, where both were involved in various visual-art endeavors, the pair decided to pool their inspirations into musical form....."
READ MORE...
"When it comes to getting profoundly immersed in a piece of art or music, one method is to allow yourself to get a bit confused by what you’re trying to perceive — but just a little. You do want to fall into a hole, but you want to know that you can still crawl out of that hole eventually and see all your friends again. Because it’s lonely at the bottom of an art hole.
Local beat-combo/art-and-film aggregate Hecuba is a prime source for such satisfying confusion. This duo comprises the very interesting Isabelle Albuquerque and Jon Beasley, who began their fertile creative partnership in a steamy bog in the deep, deep South. After a move to NYC, where both were involved in various visual-art endeavors, the pair decided to pool their inspirations into musical form....."
READ MORE...
Labels: John Payne, LA Weekly, press
posted by H. at
3:52 PM
11/9/08
11/6/08
11/5/08
Help Dublab Keep It Going
Dublab is awesome. check them out and donate if you can:
(CLICK the above image to go to dublab.)
(CLICK the above image to go to dublab.)
Labels: dublab
posted by H. at
4:19 PM
OBAMA!!!!!!
O!!!!!
"Ch-Changes" by Hecuba
From the "Sir" EP
We thought it would be appropriate for today. It's not about the same thing, but the shoe sure fits!
Labels: Ch-Changes, Obama, Sir EP
posted by H. at
10:04 AM
10/28/08
Halloween at the Hammer Museum
FREE!
Dress up or not, but don't miss a special Halloween performance. With We Are The World and Discount Cruise to Hell. Should be crazy.
Hammer Museum
Labels: Halloween, Hammer Museum, poster, we are the world
posted by H. at
10:21 PM
9/22/08
Virtual 7" No. 1: Sir - Butchy Fuego Mix b/w Haz'm Mix
It's FREE and it includes amazing remixes by the Mighty Butchy Fuego and the elusive Haz'm.
++++ DOWNLOAD IT ++++
Labels: Butchy Fuego, Haz'm, Remix, Sir, Virtual 7" No. 1
posted by H. at
9:51 PM
9/19/08
9/17/08
9/9/08
Recording at Epiphany
Last night we recorded some of the members of the Blue Ribbon Glee Club (a 30 person punk rock choir) for our upcoming full length. We did it "mobile Top Cat Studio" style with Butchy Fuego in a beautiful old Chicago church called Epiphany.
check out a performance of BRGC covering Fugazi here
check out a performance of BRGC covering Fugazi here
Labels: Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Butchy Fuego, Chicago, recording, Top Cat Studio
posted by HH at
8:02 AM
9/1/08
Last night at Berry UMC
on the altar:
photos by Sarah-Ji
photos by Sarah-Ji
Labels: Chicago, lucky dragons, nick butcher. think/dance, performance, pictures, younger
posted by HH at
10:36 AM
8/29/08
8/28/08
Chicago!
We arrived in Chicago today. Here is a poster Lucky Dragons made for the upcoming shows.
Labels: Chicago, lucky dragons, poster
posted by HH at
10:00 AM
8/22/08
Peter's Pool Boys Presents:
Got "Critic's Pick" in LA Weekly. READ HERE.
The Smell
Peter's Pool Boys
Labels: performance, poster, The Smell
posted by H. at
7:12 PM
8/13/08
"Not To Be Reproduced" Video Part 1
Hecuba // Not To Be Reproduced
Here's the first installment of our performance at NTBR. Thanks guys.
More coming soon.
Labels: Not To Be Reproduced, performance, Tom and Jerry, VIDEO
posted by H. at
7:58 PM
"Vision Version" Pics
pics by Chandler, who collaborated with us on the projections.
these by Cinefamily
The official film from Dublab will be coming soon.
Labels: Chandler McWilliams, dublab, performance, photos, vision version
posted by H. at
7:25 PM
8/11/08
Donuts Party Tonight MOVED!!!
NEW LOCATION:
LA CITA BAR
336 S Hill St.
Downtown btw 3rd & 4th.
all times and bands same.
With Indian Jewelry & We Are the World.
10 - 3 AM
LA CITA BAR
336 S Hill St.
Downtown btw 3rd & 4th.
all times and bands same.
With Indian Jewelry & We Are the World.
10 - 3 AM
Labels: donuts, performance, we are the world
posted by H. at
9:27 AM
8/8/08
"Baltimore" - No Pain In Pop
"This Heat and This Dirt, Again"
Check out this delirious take on our version of "Baltimore" in No Pain In Pop.
LISTEN to "Baltimore" there too.
Check out this delirious take on our version of "Baltimore" in No Pain In Pop.
LISTEN to "Baltimore" there too.
Labels: baltimore, blog, music, No Pain In Pop, reviews
posted by H. at
2:56 PM
Donuts Party on MONDAY w/ We Are The World
DONUTS!
W.A.T.W.
Also, get tickets for their DFA party tomorrow (08/09) with James Murphy & Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem) who are doing their new project, Special Disco Version.
Labels: donuts, performance, we are the world
posted by H. at
2:49 PM
8/6/08
"Dead Air" Live Session on Indie 103.1 FM with Chuck P. this Sunday
Our live session on "Dead Air" with Chuck P. airs this Sunday, August 10th at 8:00 pm. Tune in to 103.1 FM in LA, or listen to the podcast after Sunday here.
Labels: Indie 103.1 FM, listen, performance, radio
posted by H. at
4:46 PM
8/5/08
Vision Version Tonight!
at the Silent Movie Theater
8:00 - doors + drinks
8:30 - VV films
9:30 - free drinks
10:00 - Hecuba w/ visuals by Chandler McWilliams + us
10:30 - dublab DJ's
Saul Levitz and Trevin Matcek are filming our performance to make a new film for the series. Can't wait.
MORE INFO
Labels: Chandler McWilliams, dublab, performance, silent movie theater, vision version
posted by H. at
10:30 AM
8/3/08
V Magazine covers Not To Be Reproduced, Hecuba
In L.A., Justin Kern's monthly party at Not To Be Reproduced packs 'em in. The crowd is right and the music is pretty perfect
Photography Linlee Allen
V Magazine
Photography Linlee Allen
V Magazine
Labels: amy jo, justin kern, Not To Be Reproduced, performance, photos, V Magazine
posted by H. at
11:19 PM
7/30/08
7/29/08
Upcoming
Some upcoming things:
+ Vision Version with Dublab
+ East Coast Tour w/ Rainbow Arabia & Gangi
+ CMJ
+ Recording full-length at Top Cat Studios in Chicago
+ Cure tribute, "Perfect As Cats" features our cover of "Killing An Arab"
+ Hammer Museum: "HHH" - Hecuba Hammer Halloween
+ West Coast Tour with Pit er Pat & Lucky Dragons
+ more
Pit Er Pat:
best.
see PERFORMANCES for details and other events.
+ Vision Version with Dublab
+ East Coast Tour w/ Rainbow Arabia & Gangi
+ CMJ
+ Recording full-length at Top Cat Studios in Chicago
+ Cure tribute, "Perfect As Cats" features our cover of "Killing An Arab"
+ Hammer Museum: "HHH" - Hecuba Hammer Halloween
+ West Coast Tour with Pit er Pat & Lucky Dragons
+ more
Pit Er Pat:
best.see PERFORMANCES for details and other events.
Labels: performance, upcoming
posted by H. at
8:40 PM
Vision Version!! (Dublab) on August 5th
We are really excited to take part in this night. Dublab is presenting it at the Silent Movie Theatre here in LA. They will be screening all the past vision Versions with some amazing artists.
We are performing after the screening and are collaborating on some visuals with artist and friend Chandler McWilliams. Gonna be great!
Here's more info: VISION VERSION
Other artists involved include:
BABY DEE (Drag City)
DAEDELUS (Ninja Tune)
EXCEPTER (Paw-Tracks)
ARIEL PINK (Paw Tracks)
DON CAVALLI (Everloving)
HEALTH (Lovepump United)
PETER WALKER (raga guitar legend)
ALESSI (myspace.com/alessimusic)
LANGHORNE SLIM (Kemado Records)
LUCKY DRAGONS(Marriage Records)
OVER THE ATLANTIC (Carpark Records)
CLUSTER (German space rock legends)
RAIN MACHINE AKA KYP MALONE (TV on the Radio)
STEVIE JACKSON (Belle & Sebastian)
TOM BROSSEAU (Fat Cat Records)
WHY? (Anticon)
FILMS BY:
MATT AMATO, SAUL LEVITZ, PETER SHANEL, JULIA CROON, FERNANDO CARDENAS, THRILLHOUSE PRODUCTIONS, ROB SCHROEDER, TREVIN MATCEK, DAVE SHAFEI, BEN BARNES, JOSH FORBES, CLAY LIPSKY
Labels: Chandler McWilliams, dublab, lucky dragons, performance, projections, vision version
posted by H. at
3:57 PM
Hecuba, We Are The World, Rainbow Arabia @ Bordello (photos)
What a great night with great bands and friends!
(images: L.A. Underground)
Hecuba:
We Are The World:
Rainbow Arabia:
- L. A. Underground
(images: L.A. Underground)
Hecuba:
We Are The World:
Rainbow Arabia:
"We had fun this weekend. How about you? Specifically, that Bordello show on Friday was one of the best shows we've seen this year. Hecuba, We Are the World, and Rainbow Arabia are three of our favorite new artists in the last year so whoever came up with the genius idea of having all three of them together deserves a full body massage or something."
- L. A. Underground
Labels: bordello, photos, rainbow arabia, we are the world
posted by H. at
3:05 PM