I firmly believe that everyone needs a good, somber pop song in their life. Everyone. And Midwestern band Bad Bad Hats are the perfect combination of upbeat and incredibly somber, distilling indie and pop to create a quirky and unique sound.
The trio met while attending college in Minnesota. Kerry Alexander (vocals, guitar,) and Chris Hoge (drums) began writing songs in 2010, and in 2012 added friend Noah Boswell (bass) to complete the group. Since then they’ve released two EPs and a full length album.
Bad Bad Hats are exactly what I love about pop music. Their melodies are infectious and catchy, and their lyrics are simple and say exactly what’s on your mind. The best thing a pop song can do is be accessible while still having a little bit of depth – such is the case for Bad Bad Hats’ discography.
As the main songwriter, Alexander writes from a poignant point of view and isn’t afraid to be overly sentimental. The band’s EP “It Hurts” is a prime example of Alexander’s ability to write from the heart without remorse.
“So you want to know just how I feel about you? I could live without you, just don’t want to. I crossed my heart and hoped to die. But my heart says your dying to cross my mind,” Alexander sings in the EP’s title track.
The band’s full length album, “Psychic Reader,” released July 2015, is full of great tunes that are filled with honesty, sass and a little frustration. Alexander pulls deep from her heart with insightful lyrics and cheeky tones.
From the beginning we feel the sweet angst in “Midway.” It’s a beautiful introduction to the album. There’s no ifs, ands or buts, only a lingering desire and an unmade mind. It’s slow at first but picks up during the chorus. Alexander and her band mates don’t stay soft for too long though.
In the second track, “Shame” the band picks up the tempo and snark to give us a taste of unapologetic resentment.
“Loved you once, shame on me, loved you twice count to three … I don’t want to be afraid of you always running away. I don’t wanna get used to you never coming my way.”
Alexander sings as if she doesn’t care about what others think and even throws in a little snarl midway. Her blunt attitude shifts gears almost as suddenly as her lyrics find their way into our hearts.
“Psychic Reader” starts off with lofty guitar riffs and subtle drums and bass that carry you along. Alexander’s voice comes shining through and invites you to indulge in falling in love – the kind of love that makes your head spin and assures you that divine passion exists.
While cosmic love is fine and dandy, my favorite song on the album is not so assuring.
“Things We Never Say” is not only my favorite track from the band, but it’s quite possibly the perfect indie pop song. Alexander gives the band a break and pulls out an acoustic guitar to show her softer side (not as soft as the sweaters available at their merch table), to play a wonderfully thoughtful song with lyrics that reel you in right from the opening lines.
“You never say you love me, but you never let me fight you. Can’t get you off my mind, babe, so I bought this dress to spite you. I’ll wear it cause I hate you, cause you don’t know what you got. Then I’ll wear it to your house, and I’ll let you take it off … cause I wanna be the one who holds you.”
Alexander surrenders to complete vulnerability saying the things we often think but dare not speak. There’s no sass, no resentment, just candor and reflection. It’s somber and heart wrenching in the most believable way – sometimes we just want to love someone, and even when it doesn’t work out, we’re still glad we had the experience in the first place. Exposing yourself to a selfless love is hard. To write about it is even harder. Alexander does it quite beautifully though.
That’s not to say that speaking up for yourself is any bit easier, but Alexander does that just as well. In “Say Nothing” Alexander cuts to the chase and expresses frustration with an aloof love interest. It’s her time to turn the tables and walk away for a change, and it feels damn good and empowering.
The album ends with a very nostalgic sounding tune straight from a 90s pop playlist – the perfect way to end their debut album.
The more I listen to Bad Bad Hats the more I’m delighted by them. They’ve managed to combine all the quirky goodness of the Midwest with everything right about 90s pop music. Of course, the band adds their own flair to a very popular genre and manages to find their own niche in modern day music.
Bad Bad Hats recently strolled through the states opening up for Third Eye Blind. I’m hoping they add some headlining shows of their own, but for now, their album will have to do.
You can listen to more of Bad Bad Hats (or buy those soft sweaters!) via their website.
Source:: Bad Bad Hats are very, very good