Something Like Sound

Occasionally I befriend musicians before I even hear their music. In the case of Neighborhood Hero I first had the chance to hear their songs during a band-practice and recording session in drummer Taddy Shmitt’s basement. From that first listening I was convinced that these guys had something special: a motivation to seek quality in performance and recording rather than simply playing music for the sake of hearing their own voices. It was then that I sat in on the recording of “Faces,” one of 3 new songs now streaming on the band’s MySpace page. Furthermore, it seemed like a natural fit to place their song “Remembering” on Colorado Sounds. Singer Daniel Rondeau later asked me to help the group write their bio, which can be read below.

To say that Neighborhood Hero had a rough start is an understatement. The group saw continual line-up changes until mid-2009, when they went into the studio to record. Daniel Rondeau (vocals / guitar) recruited his friends to play music together and eventually found committed players. Josh Hester (bass), Lucas Henderson (guitar / keyboard) and Taddy Schmitt (drums) round-out the four-piece group with pop and alternative rock influences ranging from Dear & The Headlights to early Foo Fighters and Manchester Orchestra.

Their latest venture, a three-song EP titled “Three Songs” was recorded and mastered throughout the latter half of 2009. The recording process was a learning experience for the group as they attempted to find their sound and develop musical ideas. Song-writing and innovation did not take any time off while recording and Neighborhood Hero has continued to improve their sound and voice through new material, approaches, instruments and rhythms. Keep an eye out for this group as they release their record and prepare for live performances.

Listen to “Remembering” here

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