| Scene Showcase: The Hard Left |
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| Written by Liberty Finch | |
| Friday, April 25, 2008 at 07:34 AM | |
 Photo by Lizzy Leff If I didn’t know better, I’d say these seasoned vets were using special performance-enhancing substances to stay Hard. But the truth is, it’s their sincerely passionate love for rock ’n’ roll that keeps ’em going—long after bands half their age have unplugged their amps. Flanked by guit-virtuosos Tom Lischmann and Mike Leonard (Leonard recently replaced bassist Scott Glaser), and backed by drummer Pat McKenna, frontman Brian Drake writes and delivers the tunes with precision. In the case of the Hard Left, hindsight and experience have led to a well-balanced project that, like a good cocktail, is appropriately proportioned and highly satisfying. Drake is the fresh lime to Lischmann’s tequila—adding just the right mix of power-pop rhythm and vocals to riff-heavy numbers that feature Lischmann’s prowess. Leonard is flawless on bass (and quite a chameleon—see him live just to admire his sartorial diversity) and McKenna is solid—literally never missing a beat. The Hard Left EP is a tasty follow up to the band’s 2006 release, The Avant Garde Sounds of the Hard Left—four hard-driving, foot-stomping numbers that will leave you wanting more. Expect an EP-release party late in May when the band returns. Stream "Magnolia Lane" below: Stream "Black & White" below: COMING UP: The Hard Left at Stasiu’s in Northeast Minneapolis on Friday, April 25. 9 p.m. 21+. |
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| Last Updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM |
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