The Hard Quartet
The Hard Quartet is a new super group that consists of Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Matt Sweeney (Chavez), Emmett Kelly and Jim White. These four experienced musicians and respected songwriters have made an album that effortlessly switches from nineties indie rock, nineties power pop, indie rock, fuzz rock and roots. The result is an album of 15 strong songs that sound uncut, raw and direct. According to critics, this is going to be one of the best guitar records of 2024.
The four members have known each other for longer and have inspired one another to found The Hard Quartet in 2023. The idea was born during the pandemic, but the execution had to be postponed for a while as the members have had overly full agendas. In May 2024, first single “Earth Eater” came out and in October 2024, their self-titled debut came out through Matador Records. Stephen Malkmus is of course well-known as singer/guitarist and front man of Pavement, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks and as an original member of Silver Jews. Matt Sweeney is known as guitarist of Chavez, Zwan and Endless Boogie. Together with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, he made two studio albums under the name of Superwolf. Sweeney also played on albums of Adele, Cat Power and Johnny Cash. Jim White is best known as the drummer of The Dirty Three, Xylouris White, Cat Power and Bill Callahan. Emmett Kelly is known as a member of The Cairo Gang and he played as guitarist in bands of Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Angel Olsen, Ty Segall and more.
Recommended to fans of Pavement, Karate, Kim Deal, Porridge Radio and King Hannah.
