Dark clouds are heading our way from Victoria, British Columbia (Canada), thundering the raw sound of Hillsboro. Nima Walker, Dexter Hodgins, Oliver Hollingshead, Tucker Hoey and Samuel Wells play a kind of lo-fi alt-rock with 90s emo and shoegaze influences, but with contemporary twists – rich music that takes multiple listens to fully comprehend. On their self-titled DIY full-length you’ll hear ten dynamic, textured songs with distorted guitars, tight drumming, a haunting violin and passionate vocals, but also catchy elements that could have been from The Strokes, American Football or even U2. The cut-up lyrics offer a way out present-day anxiety (“The blackest bird is still a bird // I guess it’s time someone got hurt” – from opening track Exit Plan), while immersing you in characterful chords.
Hillsboro’s self-titled album is out now digitally and on vinyl LP (self-released).
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp