You probably wouldn’t guess that the punk-rock duo, The Hussy is a mild mannered couple from Madison, Wisconsin, but Bobby and Heather Hussy have recently garnered praise and recognition from some of the most notable music publications out there. It’s not often you see punk bands getting discovered, so to speak, or have their names penetrating mainstream media outlets, but The Hussy’s tireless work ethic and commitment to playing solid gigs for no money is really beginning to pay off.
After recently coming off of a European tour, the band is preparing to drop their latest LP, Galore on June 30th via Southpaw records. Currently on tour, the band opened for Sharkmuffin at Baby’s All Right and delivered a solid set to a modest crowd.
In terms of their stage presence, the band is surprisingly low-key while still delivering the kind of performance elements that are key to a memorable punk show. Bobby has short lived outbursts while playing guitar, just when you think he’s become subdued he’ll suddenly gain momentum without ever entirely losing control. More so than anything, I’d attribute this to his personal style, which seems to be organic and anything but forced, which is exciting to watch simply because he’s the kind of front-man who keeps you guessing. I realize that to a lot of fans, or to those who have immersed themselves in the thrashing nature of punk shows, that this all might sound exceedingly tame, however the clear anomaly with The Hussy is their level of precision and a focus on their respective instruments that is equal to or greater than their focus on one another. The band certainly intertwines some pop laden melody into their hooks, making it a noteworthy genre fusion for punk fans and a more than palatable soundscape for new listeners. The unavoidable comparison would be to Nirvana, but the deep cuts, ones with infectious guitar riffs like “Love Buzz” or “Aneurysm.” Additionally, the band adds a lot of sensory elements to a show, with fluctuating volume that ranges from really loud to nearly deafening and light manipulation that is crucial to their performance style.
It’s not uncommon to see bands that perform disjointedly, with members who seem to be competing with one another, forgetting that a great band is always a collaborative effort, and as a unit your strength is lies within the sum of your parts. Ultimately, seeing The Hussy live felt how any great performance should feel, singular and connected.
Article: Lea Weatherby
Cover pic: Tim Radl
