Auckland’s impressive run of fostering new musical talent continues with the release of the self-titled debut album from alt-folk trio, Hospital Sports. Writing and recording for more than a year, Danny (guitar, keys and vocals), Madison (drums) and Morgan (bass) intentionally avoided rushing the production process and the result of all that tinkering is fascinating.
On first listen, the lightly interwoven guitars, eccentric drum tracks and wafer-thin vocals foster a reserved and contemplative vibe (and certainly fit the folk label), but keep listening and Hospital Sports reveals itself as the progressive rock album that never was. All the elements are here - layers of guitar effects, giant drum fills, sweeping highs and lows – everything except the volume and the black t-shirts. Second song, ‘Days’ is the perfect case in point. Initially slow burning but ultimately a dynamic and complex track which hits several full noise peaks without troubling the decibel meter once.
A lack of full noise bravado to offset the exceptionally light production could frustrate some listeners but overall this is what makes the record unique. Fresh, composed and interesting, Hospital Sports are off to a great start with record number one.
