Hard Drugs is the brainchild of musician and former Vancouverite Jeffry Lee. Riffing off Tommy, We Will Rock You, and countless other rock operas, Lee has put together one of the first indie rock operas of note (first that I've come across anyway).
The opera tells the romantic tale of Aline, a hooker with a heart of gold, and her boyfriend, the junkie Lloyd. To be together Aline decides she needs to be rid of her pimp Slim whom gets offed in the dramatic "No Choice". After Lloyd's friend Hank spills the beans on who killed Slim, Lloyd has no option but to send Aline away for her own safety ("Happiness").
Musically Hard Drugs is a delightful mix of styles. "Terminal City" and "When It's Dark Out and It's Raining" are perfect examples of roots-based indie rock. The pop sensibility comes blazing through on the infectious "Bad Ideas (Don't Give Up)" while the band tug at your heartstrings with the touching "The Proposal".
Lee portrays the role of Lloyd while his wife Jenni Lee Nelson is stunning as Aline. Helping them out along the way are members of Bonnie "Prince" Billy, as well as Canadian indie rock luminaries from Black Mountain, Pink Mountaintops, Lightning Dust, and Limblifter.
All of it is done with a theatrical flare that will sweep you up in the story. Let's hope there's a traveling show that makes it to town soon.
We have a poster hand made by the band to give away. Send us an email, Twitter or Myspace message to enter.
Best tracks: "Bad Ideas (Don't Give Up)", "Somethings"
Track listing for Hard Drugs:
- Lloyd and Aline
- Terminal City
- Bad Ideas (Don't Give Up)
- The Proposal
- No Choice
- Every Step
- Somethings
- To Get Drunk and Picked Up By Cops
- Happiness
- When It's Dark Out and It's Raining
- Footnote
- Salvation Blues
- Aline and Lloyd (Reprise)
8.0/10
0 praise/complaints:
Post a Comment