“Old Satellites” by hd hausmann – A Song Review

     The sound belongs to hd hausmann, a UK band that takes its name from a collection of literary references. The sound is theirs, but the start of “Old Satellites” is reminiscent of “As You Were” by Shearwater (and “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem) and the vocals have characteristics in common with those of The National. Yes, it is easy to compare every baritone with Matt Berninger of The National. But it’s not merely the vocal range; the melancholy approaches to vocalization are similar.

     The difference in the sound of hd hausmann is the guitar work. The hooks are layered atop each other. It’s not a “wall of sound” layering, even when combined with the piano repetition, since the different frequency ranges of the instruments allow them to be easily distinguished (is that a treble guitar?).

      There isn’t much information about the hd hausmann or its origin. The Facebook page identifies the members by initials - AS, LP, SD, NJ, AL, ZO, JH, RH. An album is scheduled for release on November 6 (Marshall Teller Records).

     “Old Satellites” by hd hausmann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdhausmann

     “In Our Wake” by hd hausmann is more melodic and less guitar-driven.

Lyrics of “Old Satellites”

To talk of old satellites

Blind and in the swelling sky

They fall to earth

Become in time

A landfill of our accolades

With thoughts of every silhouette

That fell upon our beaten chests

Then coldly in the morning left

And I, I be control

And boldly I belong to whom

Where all my thoughts alone undo

No pause to say

Not hard to lose

And I, I be control

At once to slide an ill taught mood

Between the sheets

Unconscious strewn

The callous of us vulnerable

And I, I be control
I be control

To talk of old satellites

Blind and in the swelling sky

They fall to earth

Become in time

A landfill of our accolades

With thoughts of every silhouette

That fell upon our breaking chests

Then coldly in the morning left

And I, I be control

I be control
(repeat 4x)

And the rain fell and here we are

Floating always backwards now