New York City transplants from Iran (by way of Los Angeles where they recorded their Universal EP in 2008) Hypernova are beginning to take over America. Their music has been tagged as the next generation’s Joy Division, their music following in the vein of The Damned and The Cramps. Their music is timeless. It would feel contemporary in the punk movement of the 70s or the new wave scene of the 80s or in the indie scenes of the 90s. In 2010 they are able to cross all those genre limitations and become individuals, (as much as a band can be).
Hypernova, is set to release their first full length album, Though the Chaos on April 6th. There is a depth to this album that is best experienced at full volume and let the music and vocals envelope the listener. Singer/guitarist Raam’s vocals are slow and soulfully deep, always on the verge of crooning, yet never crossing the line. His quiet power is echoed in the music, building and fading at just the right moments in order to carry the listener through the song. The album itself echoes this progression, the first songs are a quiet build to the few more intense tracks, with the album concluding with a song that lies somewhere between everything that we have just heard. It is clear that this album was constructed as an experience and the listener is guided through and is satisfied at the end.
Unlike many of their American contemporaries, Hypernova not only believes in the power of rock and roll, but has had to stand up for that belief. In their native Iran, performing rock and roll is a crime, a crime that can lead to arrests, fines, or even a public flogging. Hypernova played secret shows and released and EP, Who Says You Can’t Rock in Iran, in 2007 (as digital downloads on their website) before escaping to Los Angeles. Lead singer/guitarist Raam has said, “There are many amazing musicians driven by a burning passion who are literally putting their lives on the line for their music, just like we did.” Their DIY ideals and their belief in the importance of rock and roll are what gives them their power.
Hypernova, who once dreamed of playing one show in New York City, have been playing numerous local shows and are rocking The Mercury Lounge Saturday April 10th to celebrate their record release.
Listen to the album here.
Check out their website for more touring details and where you can pick up the album.
