THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Hunger Anthem are an indie-rock band from Athens, Georgia. They boast an unabashed penchant for distortion drenched, gritty, tightly executed power-pop immediacy. Their sound is deeply rooted in a lo-fi approach yet ever-evolving, bearing an evident DIY, punk-rock work ethic and ethos.
Started as a solo project of singer-songwriter Brendan Vaganek in Buffalo, N.Y., Hunger Anthem’s self-titled debut album was recorded on a Tascam cassette four-track in various basements and living rooms. Issued on Vaganek’s bedroom label Broken Brain Records, it steadily gained attention for its strong melodic nature, the cohesive juxtaposition of electric and acoustic tracks, and its well-crafted lyrical imagery and directness. It was followed by frequent acoustic solo shows and full-band sets around the northeast and midwestern U.S.
The band’s second release Cut the Chord brought in Georgia-bred drummer Cameron Kelly, and was tracked in a short period of time at Triple Outlet Treehouse in Athens during one relentlessly scorching summer. Most of the basic tracks were done live in one or two takes. The curious possum onlooker that made frequent appearances during recording can be seen on the front cover hiding in the trees. Followed by regular touring and ongoing writing, consistent discipline has kept the band moving forward through twists and turns, and on the road with tight, high-energy live shows, forever grateful of friendships forged along the way, as well as the sum of moments and unfolding experiences of both the unexpected and the familiar.
Utilizing the potential and capabilities of Espresso Machine in Athens, a studio chosen for having an expanded dynamic range, their third record Lift was recorded by Mike Albanese (Maserati, Bit Brigade, Bad Ends, Life In Vacuum) and mastered by Joel Hatstat (Archers of Loaf, Jeff Rosenstock, Worriers). It’s borne of love and sweat, and pulls deeply from the well of observation, longing, acceptance, and perseverance.”
