Being favorable compared to critical darlings like The National or Nick Cave can oftentimes be a double-edged sword for a young band, as any perceived expectations can hang around the band’s neck like a deadweight. But in the case of theatrically and classically influenced rock band Home By Hovercraft, which is led by husband and wife duo Seth Magill and Shawn Magill, the accolades are well-earned and only just scratch the surface of their intricately layered and beautifully melodic take on indie rock. Playing tightly wound songs that explode outward at the slightest provocation, Home By Hovercraft manage to incorporate recognizable influences, both current and those resting in decades past, without ever seeming to rely on them as musical crutches.
Gearing up for the release of their debut album Are We Chameleons?,which is being self-released on March 12th, the band has dropped the second single from the album. Borrowing from expected artists like The National and Spoon, “Zoo Lion” nevertheless feels distinct, and its judicial and unexpected use of common indie rock tendencies only furthers the sense of individuality that the band carries in spades. Magill’s energetic baritone, which bears more than a passing similarity to Matt Berninger’s, seems to carry the weight of the world as it rides along on tidal waves of piano, shuffling drums, and slowly bowed strings. The song introduces you to the band’s slightly skewed world of indie rock, and it’s a place that you’re not likely to want to leave any time soon.
Beats Per Minute is proud to premiere “Zoo Lion,” the second single from Home By Hovercraft’s upcoming album Are We Chameleons?.
