Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
$0.99USD or more
about
(Hyper) Static (4:21)
Previously unreleased version
History
Originating in 1991 along with our other June 2019 archive release “Tightrope,” “(Hyper) Static” began life as simply “Static” – and remained unreleased until 1999 when it was substantially rewritten for the ‘Presents of Mind’ album. At that time, the band was searching for a stable lineup (as described in the notes for “Tightrope”) and writing new songs as part of a production deal with Simmons Records. We were working with vocalist Tommy Ingham, revising some previously released tunes from the STANDING PAVEMENT ‘Crowded Emptiness’ cassette and writing four new songs together – one of which was “Static.” Based on an aggressive riff by then-bassist Roy Truax, the song has a definite punk rock energy.
We demoed the song along with seven others at “The Old Schoolhouse” in Ann Arbor, MI under the short-lived name HANOVER FIST. The band played only one unmemorable “battle of the bands” gig and ultimately, Gene was unable to secure a distribution deal with a major label for his new Simmons Records roster. At this point, Tommy moved on and Roy headed east to New York City and, although disappointed, Mark and I capitalized on the boost of confidence the production deal provided and began writing and recording what would become the debut TILES album.
Eventually, with plenty of songs written and no additional members in sight, we decided to start recording anyway and entered the “The Old Schoolhouse” as a 2-piece (influencing the White Stripes perhaps 😊). We had every intention of including “Static” on the album and with Mark’s drum track from the HANOVER FIST demo session as the foundation, I re-recorded rhythm guitars and eventually special guest Kevin Chown laid down a new bass track (we also kept the guitar solo from the demo). Unfortunately, as recording progressed several of the songs we planned to include didn’t get finished due to financial constraints (Reasonable Doubt, Changing the Guard, and Static).
Somewhere along the way, I got motivated to dive into “Static” and develop it further, but I can’t remember why. Anyway…, the tempo changed and counterpoint guitar riffs, a new chord sequence for the chorus, and new vocal melodies were written – and the band recorded an entirely different version (during the ‘Fence the Clear’ sessions) as heard on ‘Presents of Mind.’
Now it’s time to release the original. New for 2019 are Paul’s vocals (testing the upper-most limits of his still-intact range), acoustic guitar in the choruses, and a few minor keyboard embellishments courtesy of Kevin Sharpe’s Moog modular synthesizers. Otherwise, what you hear harkens back to where our heads were recording the first TILES album!
Because the versions are radically different, we had to give the original version a new title for copyright and publishing purposes – and “(Hyper) Static” seemed a fitting variation, especially when comparing the two versions. And all things considered, they are two different songs!
- Chris Herin, June 2019
lyrics
(Hyper) Static
Lyrics: Herin
Verse 1:
Years of sameness make us this way
Taking the blame’s no longer ok
Over and over some never stray
Tortured and bland walk hand in hand
Verse 2:
Routines are alright – we all need some
To never fight means everything’s right?
Passive and willing – agree with everything
Draw the line – develop a spine
Chorus:
Static is monotony
Static’s not the way to be
Static says you’ll never change
Static means you’ve got no range
Verse 3:
I stand in line for a long time
Who says I have to – who made this rule?
Speaking to myself isn’t going to help
Do something dynamic – why withstand it?
Verse 4:
History repeats too frequently
No one ever learns to react positively
Whatever exists we all pay the fee
Charging ahead regardless of need
Chorus:
Static is monotony
Static’s not the way to be
Static says you’ll never change
Static means you’ve got no range
Drums: Mark Evans
Bass: Kevin Chown
Guitar: Chris Herin
Vocals: Paul Rarick
• Drums and guitar solo recorded in 1991 by Pete Bankert at The Old Schoolhouse, Ann Arbor, MI
• Bass and rhythm guitars recorded in 1992 by Pete Bankert at The Old Schoolhouse, Ann Arbor, MI
• Vocals, acoustic guitar, and keyboards recorded in 2018 by Kevin Sharpe at Rock Hill Sound, Rochester, MI
• Tape salvage, digital transfer, and mastering by Peter J. Moore at The E Room, Toronto, Canada
• Mixed by Terry Brown at Blue Sound & Music, Toronto, Canada
• Graphic by Amy Griffiths for Gothic Candy
TILES is a rock band from Detroit who has released 6 studio and 2 live albums world wide. The latest is “Pretending 2 Run.”
Over the years the band developed a style that blends the adventure of progressive rock with an aggressive hard rock edge. Notable musicians such as Alex Lifeson (Rush), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) have lent their talents & support to TILES. ...more
The Long Island metal band's third album etches arena-sized hooks into their jagged compositions, deftly balancing experimental and poppy inclinations. Bandcamp Album of the Day May 12, 2022