Stephen Malkmus, best known for his work with Pavement, recently announced his latest project, the Hard Quartet, a supergroup composed of indie rock veterans including Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy), Emmett Kelly (The Cairo Gang), and Jim White (Dirty Three). The band’s debut, self-titled album is slated to arrive next month, and anticipation is already building thanks to the release of two singles, “Earth Hater” and “Rio’s Song.” Now, the band has shared a third track, “Our Hometown Boy,” a jangly folk-rock number that showcases a new layer of their sound.
“Our Hometown Boy” stands out from the group’s previous singles with its shimmering, laid-back folk vibe, and Emmett Kelly’s distinctive lead vocals. Kelly, known for his collaborations with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, sings over a relaxed, jangling backdrop about a “cloven-toed mistress” armed with an “ice pick straight to the ears.” The lyrics are as eccentric and vivid as one might expect from a band that includes such seasoned musicians, adding a poetic surrealism to the track’s otherwise straightforward folk-rock sound. Kelly’s imagery is wild, yet intriguing, transforming the song into more than just a mellow, sun-soaked tune.
The song’s harmonies are subtle but effective, with Matt Sweeney backing Kelly’s vocals, creating a warmth that complements the jangly instrumentation. Sweeney also contributes a striking guitar solo that elevates the track, bringing an edge to the otherwise soft and lilting folk atmosphere. It’s clear that each member of the Hard Quartet brings their own distinct flavor to the table, blending folk, indie rock, and experimental sounds into a cohesive whole.
In a press release, Kelly offers an abstract description of “Our Hometown Boy,” explaining that the song mythologizes the “fierce inhabitants of our shared hovels and shangri-las,” painting a picture of small-town life, tinged with both idyllic beauty and darker undercurrents. He describes a perspective that comes from “peering out the window of a bar to a blizzard,” highlighting the contrast between paradise and the often harsh realities of life. This duality is reflected in the music itself: the soothing, melodic instrumentation contrasts with the biting, vivid imagery of the lyrics, creating a tension that makes the song all the more engaging.
The Jared Sherbert-directed video for “Our Hometown Boy” captures the band performing together in black and white, adding a simple yet intimate visual accompaniment to the song. The stripped-back aesthetic of the video matches the song’s laid-back vibe, focusing on the chemistry between the band members rather than relying on flashy visuals. It’s a fitting representation of the Hard Quartet’s music, which values collaboration and subtle artistry over anything showy or superficial.
“Our Hometown Boy” further solidifies the Hard Quartet as a band that, while new, feels lived-in and familiar. These are seasoned musicians who know how to balance each other’s strengths, creating music that is both exploratory and grounded. With Kelly’s evocative lyrics, Sweeney’s sharp guitar work, and Malkmus’s unmistakable indie rock sensibility, the Hard Quartet’s upcoming album promises to be an exciting addition to their collective discographies.
As the band’s debut approaches, “Our Hometown Boy” suggests that the Hard Quartet is more than just a side project or supergroup experiment. They’ve already shown an ability to seamlessly blend their individual talents into something that feels cohesive yet multifaceted. For fans of any of the members’ previous work, the Hard Quartet is shaping up to be a must-listen.
Follow the Hard Quartet on