Le Diamant Brut: Herm & ARS Supernova
What’s the Deal: Austin’s ARS Supernova have a sound as big as their name implies. They make astronomical, explosive rock with the aid of synth, organ, screeching violin, shredding and chugging guitar, a pounding rhythm section and harmonious vocals. Their epic rock sound has brought them comparisons to a combination of Dream Theater, Queen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and others. At times, the group sounds a lot like Muse with more soul.
ARS Supernova’s sophomore album, Lumina, is a concept album about the lives of Gavin and Eliese, two fictional characters who lead large, Hollywood lives. The group made a very ambitious video for “Supernova: Death of a Star” with glamorous sets, costumes, good production and even some on-target acting. Shrieking guitar soloing in tune with the violin turns into distortion and the piano sparkles then pounds all while Jirod Greene sings his heart out.
Something Interesting: Not only is the group in the big rock business, but they’re also in the hope and humanitarian business. They founded a non-profit called SoundWave, which along with A Glimmer of Hope Foundation and H2O Africa brought clean water to an impoverished village in Ethiopia. The well that was built is still being used in Amhara, Ethiopia to this day. Go here, to find out what else SoundWave is up to.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Clay” and “Cure”
ARS Supernova [Official]
ARS Supernova [MySpace]
What’s the Deal: At Herm’s helm is Dubliner Kevin Connolly, and while he tends to steer his musical craft a little erratically through the chop bouncing between feelings and sounds on his debut album, Monsters, released this year, the independent- minded tunes can all stand tall and strong on their own. They might even prefer it. Connolly and his Hermanos, a backing band he sometimes records and plays shows with, create a wide range of dark blues, melodic and jangled rock, and touching indie folk.
“Year of the Horse” off Monsters received an honorable mention in the International Song Competition this past April, which is an impressive feat considering the judges are music-making icons like Tom Waits, Black Francis, Loretta Lynn and others of that ilk. When you hear the song, you’ll understand. It’s a sweet, somber and slow-stepping number with a back-and-forth exchange between Connolly and Nina Hynes set to the hum of soft strings and guitar. “The Way” changes things up a bit from what you’d expect after listening to the previous track. It begins with deep background vocal and a dusty, spaghetti western vibe coming from all instruments. But, the song never completely abandons all that’s indie for country glory. So, what you get is something of a hybrid with sweet spots abound.
Something Interesting: You might have heard of Nina Hynes, guest vocalist on “Year of the Horse”, from her group Nina Hynes and The Husbands. She’s also from Dublin, and has been a name in the European underground music scene for a few years.
Other Songs Worth Checking Out: “Heads” and “Rearrange”
Herm [Official]
Herm [MySpace]
