I have my Hunches

Monday, April 20th, 2009 | musiX, pdX

Every day should be Record Store Day … I mean, why not? Ken Cheppaikode, who runs Portland’s Green Noise Records, said it was probably the best day of business he’s had since taking over the place in 2005. He was understandably in a chipper mood that day.

So was I. Beautiful weather brought Portlanders out in droves. And I was able to make it to a couple of stops on on my RSD09 tour. I snagged a handful of free CDs from Cheppaikode’s label Dirtnap Records, as well as the latest release from Portland’s The Hunches.

Exit Dreams was recorded in the spring and fall of 2007, and was finally released earlier this year. It’s the four-piece’s first record in almost five years. Exit Dreams continues their knack for stirring up shit over a semblance of melody, before twisting it into an unnerving, unending knot. Songs like “Not Invited” and “From This Window” are the calm before “Fall Drive” and “Your Sick Blooms”—think some of Velvet Underground’s louder moments colliding with Frank Black’s weirdo pop songs.

It all started with 2002’s Yes. No. Shut It., and the band continued to spill blood on records like Got Some Hate and Hobo Sunrise (on the always trustworthy In The Red Records) and alienate their show-goers. It’s the kind of stuff usually remembered years after a band is dead and gone. And the end is coming soon. The Hunches will play a handful of shows, including one at the East End in Portland on June 24 with Eat Skull, The Whines and The Blimp. Then, poof … (?).

“Not Invited” - The Hunches

“Fall Drive” - The Hunches

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4 Comments to I have my Hunches

Bob
April 21, 2009

I finally got out to buy some records on Saturday. The only RSD exclusive I snagged was the Flight of the Conchords 7″. Did get some other used gems though. Viva la vinyl.

Joseph Wyman
April 21, 2009

First and foremost, I recently discovered your blog and have added it to my daily visitation circuit. Good stuff. And that doesn’t really do it justice. So thank you(!).

That said, what’s the deal with the Hunches? I can’t seem to track down any rumours/news/reasons for said breakup. Are they splintering a la Mclusky or are they retiring? I wasn’t aware of Exit Dreams’ release and have added it to my buy list. Great band. Damn shame that’s that…

Timistheword
April 21, 2009

Ah, those darling Hunches. It’s been so long, I didn’t even know they were still playing. Once, after a loooong party at a friend’s house, I crashed at Sarah and Chris’s house. They played me records they thought I’d like. It was very charming. Then we all went to sleep and when they woke up, they didn’t remember anything about my coming over, listening to records, and crashing on the couch. Then we went and had Indian food brunch at Swagat. Good times.

Mark
April 21, 2009

Thank you, Joseph, and thanks for reading. The news that it was their last album came with most of the In The Red press. Plus, in the liner notes it says, “The Hunches WERE: Chris, Hart, Sarah, and Ben.” Not sure the circumstances.

Sounds like good times, Tim. So how is Swagat?

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