The Hard Lessons have arrived, and are here to stay—and if the confidence and unabashed rock energy displayed on their new EP is any sort of guide, they know it!

After a stunning 2006, in which the group was declared Artists of the Year by Real Detroit Weekly, the impressive rock outfit look set to continue carrying all before them this year. Wise Up!, the group's aptly titled new release, is a compelling blend of care-free rock n' roll with a healthy dose of musical nous, replete with ACDC guitar riffs and Blondie-esque vocals! Sounds interesting? You bet your boots it does!

The exciting trio consists of Augie (Vocals, Electric Guitar), Ko Ko Louise (Vocals, Electric Organ / Synthesizer) and The Anvil (Drums).

As with many rock outfits, the vocals are the make or break of the outfit, and The Hard Lessons do not disappoint! Augie and Ko Ko Louise appear to be made for each other, with the pair forming a true vocal partnership. While demonstrating her Debbie Harry-like softer, delicate tones on tracks like "It Bleeds", Ko Ko is similarly adept at the hard-hitting, coarser notes in "Bamboo" and "Move to California".

Augie provides a perfect partner, with smooth, rich harmony, providing the depth necessary to offset Ko Ko's high vocal range. The combination adds a complexity to the music, and a mystique to the group’s vocalization, lifting the lyrics apart from the guitar and drum backing.

"It Bleeds" is the highlight of the EP. Delivering a softer, more introspective sound, the vocal harmonies are displayed perfectly. The delicate beauty of Ko Ko's voice, combined with Augie's silky, full voice, lulls the listener, pulling them into the music. With a simple guitar and drum accompaniment, as with much of the EP, the vocals drive and shape the track, dominating the mood, message and sound. The Hard Lessons are at the height of their musical powers here!

"Move to California" marks a shift in tempo, and showcases the energy and edginess in both singers' voices. Delivered like a duet, it is the collision of the vocals—rather than their seamless cohesion, as demonstrated in "It Bleeds"—which gives the drive and attitude to this track. There is a power and aggression in the music, impressively conveyed without over-the-top volume or instrumentals. The sound is strong and confident, as if sending a message of 'wise up or get out!'.

With assuredness, energy and complexity of sound, Wise Up! is an impressive musical offering. The Hard Lessons demonstrate their musical skill and maturity on this EP, showing the world that they have 'wizened up' as a group—ready to move onto bigger and better things. If 2006 saw them conquer Detroit, one can only imagine what 2007 will hold for this impressive and highly talented rock outfit! So Wise Up, and buy this EP, so you too can enjoy the band's enthusiastic and energetic sound!

• http://thehardlessons.com

• http://www.myspace.com/thehardlessons

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Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! hcxlelsyum

Submitted by kxnuqmdstj • 2007-07-06 08:09:30

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