With their third longplayer, Woolston, Texas, Adam Hattaway & The Haunters have refined their sound. With Hattaway's songwriting following a more organic process, it channels all of the raw emotion that defines their live shows.
"We wanted this album to be the rocking album - if you want to rock out, put on Woolston, Texas," says bandleader Adam Hattaway. "It’s mostly upbeat with lots of guitar solos. Our producer, Ben Edwards, really wanted to capture the chaos and craziness that this band threatens to erupt into, without going overboard."
Taking inspiration from dreams, love, mental health, gyms and rats, the energetic and soulful ten-track collection serves up a platter of stories embedded in alt-rock goodness. A heartfelt lament to highs gone by, Woolston, Texas is a reminder for those times when spectres creep out of the darkness and try to grab you - there's more than one way out.
"I like the idea of juxtaposing high tempo music with quite sad and dark themes, in a Beach Boys-esque kind of way" explains Hattaway. "Half of the album is about having dark thoughts aka Big Night, the other half is about nostalgia and trying not to look back fond teenage memories.."
Out today, Woolston, Texas was produced by Ben Edwards, mixed by Ryan Fisherman and recorded at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton.
Tickets for the band's 'Woolston, Texas Tour' this April-May are on sale now over at Undertheradar.co.nz:
Friday April 9 - Wellington - Rogue and Vagabond
Saturday April 10 - Whanganui - Musicians Club - w/ MeanOwls
Friday April 16 - Christchurch - Cassels Blue Smoke
- w/ Daniel Armstrong and The Monsoons
Saturday April 17 - Auckland - Thirsty Dog
- w/ Daniel Armstrong and The Monsoons
Saturday April 24 - Blenheim - The Plant
Friday May 21 - Dunedin - BARK! - w/ Tahu and The Takahes
Saturday May 22 - Oamaru - Grainstore Gallery - w/ Mads Harrop