Alive Naturalsound Records

Independent record label based in LA. Home to The Black Keys, Two Gallants, Buffalo Killers, Radio Moscow, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Hacienda, John The Conqueror, Brian Olive, Black Diamond Heavies, Left Lane Cruiser, T-Model Ford, Thomas Function, Waves Of Fury, etc. More at www.alivenergy.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

HACIENDA - Hear Ya


We get loads of e-mails each day from bands and PR firms representing bands. Very few have grabbed my attention like the email about San Antonio, Texas band, Hacienda. It went something like this: Blah, blah, blah, Dr. Dog harmonies, blah, blah, blah produced by Dan Auerbach. I damn near wet myself as I replied back that, yes, I would like an advance copy.

Here’s the scoop - Hacienda was started by cousins Abraham Villanueva and Dante Schwebel. After some failed projects, they were joined by Abraham’s brothers Jaime & Rene. From there, demos were recorded, one of which ended up in Dan Auerbach’s hands. A quick aside - where the hell does Dan Aerubach find the time rock with his band, The Black Keys, and produce 5 to 10 kickass albums a year? Anyway, Dan was intrigued by the boys from San Antonio and their obvious Beach Boys and Band influences. More songs were written, a couple of weekends were spent in Akron, and here we are.

I think you all know where this review is going. I mean, Jesus Christ. What’s not to like? Four piece harmonies? Check, they’re in there. Solid production? Check. Well written tunes recorded live to give it the authentic feel of a live performance? Check. And I know what you’re thinking. Woody, wouldn’t it be cool if Dr. Dog chimed in on a couple of tunes? One step ahead of you, my friend. Frank and Scott do stop in to lend a helping hand. You can hear them on “Little Girl” and “Angela” lending their vocal prowess to the harmonies.

This is a great debut. Some of my favorites include “Shake Ya,” “Sun,” “Wishbone” and the opening track, “She’s Got A Hold On Me.” Loud Is The Night is being released on September 16th on Alive Records. - Woody/Hear Ya

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