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On the title track of American
Hi-Fi’s The Art Of Losing, singer Stacy
Jones captures the mood of the eternal Saturday
night with a few simple lines: “Suburbia
is hot tonight, but nothing seems to feel alright/I
don't want your sympathy, I just need a little
therapy, at least that's what they say to me…”
Grabbing romantic failure by the privates while
declaring the joys of adolescent indulgence, The
Art Of Losing is a rock and roll blitzkrieg. Guitarist-singer
Jones—former drummer for Veruca Salt and
Letters to Cleo—is joined on The Art Of
Losing by guitarist Jamie Arentzen, bassist Drew
Parsons, and drummer Brian Nolan. Written on the
road amid a rabid touring schedule, The Art Of
Losing proves that this Boston foursome is inspired,
ingenious, and maybe a little insane.
American Hi-Fi’s 2001
debut produced the single “Flavor Of The
Weak,” a massive critical and popular success.
The Art Of Losing is one giant leap for American
Hi-Fi and fans of raw power rock, Boston style.
Produced by Nick Launay (Gang of Four, Girls Against
Boys, Silverchair), The Art Of Losing cranks up
the cacophony with songs that draw on classic
rock fervor sandblasted by ferocious punk songcraft.
American Hi-Fi shot the video for “The Art
Of Losing” in Hays, Kansas, filming at a
house party with a cast of 500. Inspired by an
all-night, after-show blowout in Hays this past
September, Jones returned to the town to party
again, this time on film. The homeowner invited
friends, family, and foes, and the classic rock
party video was captured in all its glory. “The
Art Of Losing” shouts “Knock me down,
I’ll keep on moving,” over a thumping
groove that recalls Adam Ant’s “Ant
Music.” “Beautiful Disaster”
charts romantic catastrophe through the eyes of
codependency and shredding balls-to-the wall guitars.
“The Breakup Song” is a smash single
in waiting, with lopsided reggae rhythms buoyed
by Ramones-worthy guitars. But American Hi-Fi
aren’t simply loud and lascivious. “Save
Me” is a sprawling guitar epic, alternating
between sweet acoustic verses and nail-biting
choruses. “This Is The Sound” is even
more bittersweet. The Art Of Losing is no one
trick pony for sure, blasting through the Weezer-like
spiel of “Nothing Left To Lose,“ and
the Buzzcock-ian raveups, “The Gold Rush”
and “Happy” (dig the “Taxman”
guitar riffs). The Art Of Losing is quality entertainment
for underdogs everywhere.
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