LISTEN: Weatherstate Release An Acoustic Version Of “Hangar”
LISTEN: Weatherstate Release An Acoustic Version Of “Hangar”
Just when you thought the original couldn’t get better.
Words By: Bre Offenberger
Weymouth-based punk band Weatherstate have released an acoustic version of their latest single, “Hangar.” The reimagining feels a lot like the original — sporting frontman Harry Hoskins‘ rasp and pure angst that haven’t changed a bit with that recognizable riff — but it’s made in a softer format that fans of any genre can enjoy.
The original envelops pulsating guitars and drums that rip right through the skull, both elements other punk bands only wish they had thought of first. Naturally, Hoskins sounds more refined here, but the blatant emotion of the live performance — seeing his feelings fully on display for the first time in a song that continues to permeate in our minds — actually makes it better. This version is also 30 seconds longer than the acoustic, the only way it one ups it.
Rattles open the live performance of the acoustic version before the catchy riff, now toned down from its original punk flair to a zippy acoustic wonderland. All four members soon gently combine their respective instruments before Hoskins begins his familiar lamenting of hopelessness and holding a tiresome spirit that doesn’t seem like it’ll fade anytime soon. The performance is lit up only by a few LED lights that offer flashes of green while hues of purple line the edges of the room. The bandmates never look up from their instruments or near the direction of the camera, proving the loneliness of the past year has forced people to want to remain cooped up, even in public settings.
Of the acoustic version, Hoskins shares: “Given the circumstances with everything at the moment we hadn’t had a chance to get together, so being in the studio working on the record posed a great opportunity to make the most of our time and shoot some extra pieces. We wanted to shoot something a little different to a standard acoustic ballad rendition of a track, especially given the nature of Hangar as a song, so we leant into more of a stylized approach when it came to the rearrangement to play to its strengths.”
The original track may have came out last month, but the themes still ring true as ever. The track is the first of the band via their new label, Rude Records, and was made into an immediate punk hit, thanks to producer Alan Day of Four Year Strong. Fans of Neck Deep‘s older discography will love “Hangar” in both its original and acoustic format as well as any future releases from Weatherstate, who is on the brink of stardom.
