London (UK) based rock band Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate their released their 2nd single on 11 June 2012. It will be available from major online download sites, including iTunes and Amazon.
The band follow up their first single “Wait For The Storm”, a folky-rock melancholic reflection on life with type III Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, with an angrier rock/metal reflection on life with type III Ehlers-Danlos syndrome…
Type III (hypermobility type) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is genetic disorder of collagen, a major structural protein that is important in the function of the joints, cartilage, gastro-intestinal system, and skin. Patients with the condition typically suffer from chronic pain despite looking externally normal. Malcolm, the songwriter and performer of the track, has this condition. He hopes through to help raise awareness of this underdiagnosed condition.
The song was inspired by a Facebook status from a friend with a similar condition, “I just want to wake up one day and be me again”.
The digital single release also includes bonus track “Can’t Let You Go”.
Free streaming previews of the tracks can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_13313440
“Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate” are a London based rock/acoustic band that have been described as ranging from a solo acoustic to 5-piece rock band. Their debut single in 2012, “Wait For The Storm”, was described by AltSounds as “David Gilmore-esque… like a depressed Cat Stevens… GO BUY IT” , by Captain Captain Industries as having “fantastic vocals… a fresh new flavor from this ground-breaking group”.
They regularly play at leading London venues, with recent gigs including the Bowery/Ballhoo, The Water Rats, Camden Rock, headlining at The Fiddler’s Elbow and The Comedy, Water Rats, and performances at street parties and charity events.
Press quotes
“Excellent and atmospheric music! :)” – Share Your Dreams Promotions
“You guys are just AWESOME” – Audio Pollution Promotions
“GREAT MUSIC …… brings awesome people together and they accomplish couraqeously!” – Notty Nation
“The Interval Machine’s Featured Artist of the Day is Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, a London-based acoustic rock duo featuring flautist Kathryn Thomas and Malcolm (vocals, guitar, keyboard)…. The song we are featuring is titled ‘By The Water’ — an ambient song that is amazingly haunting and deeply emotional. I really love this song so much. Excellent job!” – The Interval Machine
“Nice Dudes I Dig!!!” – Shoot For The Stars Promotions
“These guys win. If you’re into something different, they’re definitely, certainly worth a listen. Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, gogo!” – The Music Wall
“Wow :)) great music! I Like it a lot..” – Positive Chillout
“Man! you guys are good!!!!” – Indie, Folk, Rock and Alternative – Indie, Folk, Rock and Alternative
“I am personally loving their music!!! They are a MUST listen!! So what are you waiting for? Go see for yourself and show them LOTS of love!!” – Support Independent Music
“Rarely does a piece of music make your hairs stand on end and send chills running down your spine, whilst passing the message about the illness in such a beautiful and poetic manner. The latest single released by the London duo ‘Hats off Gentleman, it’s Adequate’ has the magic to do just that. It starts with a haunting guitar part by Malcolm, and a beautiful flute section by Kathryn Thomas, which goes with the moving lyrics, with Malcolm pondering if he should “Wait for the storm”, with the bass and drums in the background reinforcing the dark atmosphere, before evolving into a Dire Straits influenced guitar solo, with a perfect neat sound that still makes sure that the message within the song is passed on a very serious illness. 5/5” – Keith’s Reviews
“Is it classic rock? Is it acoustic rock? Well, what it definitely is, is a flute, David Gilmore-esque guitar solos and lyrics reminiscent of War Of The Worlds weepy track “Forever Autumn”. Oh and a downbeat vocal like a depressed Cat Stevens. Right, if you are still reading this and haven’t ran for the alternative hills yet, then, well done and DON’T. Sit back, click on the video below, relax and surprise yourself at the fact that this combination works quite nicely indeed. Now that you’ve watched and listened, sit back again and be warmed by the fact that if you were to buy this track you will be helping Hats Off…’s (Flautist Kathryn and Multi-instrumentalist Malcolm) nominated charities of Ehlers-Danlos Support UK & Save The Children, as any and all income from online sales is to be split 50/50 between them. So, there you go, classic rock? acoustic rock? Who cares when it’s good music for a good cause. GO BUY IT. ” – Alt Sounds
What do we think? There is definitely a folk sound to the music, and I can’t disagree with any of the existing press commentary, but also a very dark brooding undertone. The music and lyrics come across as painfully personal, and intimate. Couple this with the aforementioned anger, and there is a some very powerful emotions flowing. I have not had the pleasure of seeing them live, but if their performances convey this emotion, then they have to be seen! While listening I felt a musical comparision to “Dream City Film Club”, although with out the sleazy element!
Links
http://www.reverbnation.com/itsadequate
http://www.youtube.com/itsadequate
http://www.twitter.com/itsadequate
http://www.fb.com/itsadequate
Some words by Jon.
