I LOVE Kill Hannah. I love Kill Hannah without a cent of irony. Next to the Smashing Pumpkins, they’re second to none, the bee’s knees, the best thing since sliced bread. I’m embarrassed (and proud) to admit how many times I’ve seen these guys play over the past decade and how many states I’ve traveled to for their shows. (I lost track at 84 four years ago. Really.) Back in the day I basically shoved myself into the the street team for Atlantic Records, their label at the time, to promote the band and see as many shows as possible across the Midwest. Their blend of electro-new romantic pop blends perfectly in my little brain and guaranteed, Kill Hannah has the best live show out there, no matter what genre of music you listen to.

I had my first photo passes with these guys when I was still shooting with a 35mm point and shoot – I credit them for teaching me how to photograph, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Dear Kill Hannah,
I love you. Thank you.
Your humble fan,
Rachael

*cough*

Since 2003 (save last year when singer Mat Devine appeared on Broadway in Spiderman) they’ve held a massive Christmas show/party in their hometown of Chicago. This past weekend was this year’s New Heart for XMas 8.

Kill Hannah w/ Comasoft
December 17, 2011
The Bottom Lounge
Chicago, IL

Opening band Comasoft

Kill Hannah

Click here for the rest of the show, pictures from soundcheck and the afterparty.

Kill Hannah

Aquamarine, the seven-song EP released in January and available to download for FREE, is not something you’d typically expect to come out of the Columbus music scene. In a city that is recognized by national press for it’s lo-fi/shitgaze sound, Love Culture in the antithesis of what we’ve allowed to pass as “good” music for the past decade which means, of course, they stand no chance unless they move to a more supportive city like Chicago, L.A., or New York.

Though I’ve yet to catch Love Culture live, I suspect a lot of time and thought is put into the presentation of the music – everything from the lighting to the clothes that are worn are planned out in advance to create the most memorable experience for those who pay a cover charge. At least that’s the impression the music gives – it’s polished and radio-ready although given an actual major label recording budget, Love Culture has the potential to create something truly epic. As it stands, Aquamarine hits all of my right buttons (I hear everything from BRMC to Silversun Pickups to the aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins and Kill Hannah in their sound) and is one of my favorite local releases of the last 10 years.

Hell, even the band member’s names sound like those of rock stars – Tristan Swan (vocals/guitar), Raleigh Swan (guitar/keys), James Levesque (guitars/keys), Sky Cunningham (bass), Robert Fisher (drums).

Catch Love Culture, Main St. Gospel, Wolf Ram Heart, and Alert New London at Skully’s, March 9. Admission is free.

More photos…