Hank and Cupcakes
The first time I saw Hank and Cupcakes it was at the Astoria Music and Arts’ annual festival in Astoria Park. Although they had a relatively short set, as there were over 30 acts performing on three stages throughout the park, my initial impression was that live, they reminded me a lot of duos such as the White Stripes and the Raveonettes – if anything, I was blown away by their devastating simplicity and how incredibly funky their tunes actually were. It shouldn’t be surprising then that this EP has a decidedly new wave/post-punk feel similar to Gang of Four. In other words, the songs are powered and then pushed forward by the bassist instead of the guitarist. Simply put, this is music you can get up and shake your ass all night to at a party or at one of their shows.
Hank and Cupcakes cover of Joy Division’s “She’s Lost Control,” is by far the most interesting rendition of the song I’ve heard. Stripping the familiar new wave standard down to Hank’s bass and Cupcake’s vocals creates a haunting mood that forces you to pay attention to the lyrics in a way you probably haven’t before. I’ve heard “She’s Lost Control,” too many times to count, usually without thinking of context or my particular interpretation of the song at this point but hearing the familiar lyrics being sung by a woman breathes some fresh air into the song – while creating a completely different interpretation. Whenever you hear the pronoun I throughout the song, you can’t help but think “is she referring to herself?” “Ain’t No Love,” is the funkiest and perhaps catchiest song on the entire EP – and it’s perhaps the song where Cupcakes is the most sincerely soulful and seductive. Interestingly enough, I kind of thought of late-era Eurythmics (think of a song such as “Would I Lie to You?” and “Sisters are Doing it For Themselves” for example), as Cupcakes voice reminds me slightly of Annie Lennox.
Based on the release of their EP, Hank and Cupcakes definitely have a great future ahead of them. Two of the songs on this EP are probably the most danceable rock tracks you’ll hear in the first half of 2010. Of course, as they write more material, it’ll be interesting to see how their sound develops and expands over time. In the mean time, be sure to catch them live as they’re touring to support the EP.
Track Listing
1. Ain’t No Love
2. Pleasure Town
3. Roses
4. She’s Lost Control – New Master
I agree. I have seen Hank & Cupcakes 5 times and they were great each time. It’s not like you see them on a good night and then are disappointed seeing them again. All 5 times were good nights.
i had been meaning to respond joe in pa. i’m glad you agree. cupcakes is a tour de force live. i’ve only seen them twice so far. but i hope to see them again when they’re back in town.
could you tell me where you saw them? just curious as to the kind of setting. their last show at le poisson rouge they had added a video installation in the background.