Concert Preview: Superhumanoids and Mayer Hawthorne
Coming this Friday (September 20, 2013) to Asheville NC’s Orange Peel: Los Angeles-based band Superhumanoids, opening for Mayer Hawthorne.
The trio’s sound owes a stylistic debt to 80s synth-centric pop, most notably Berlin (the airy vocals of Sarah Chernoff, one of the group’s two singers), Depeche Mode (via the synth bass and drum machines) and ABC (the dance-floor vibe that’s a hallmark of many of the tunes). But a modern twist keeps them from the nostalgia trap. There’s a “real” flavor to the songs that belies their machine orientations. A strong sense of melody helps immeasurably. If the show is on a par with their album Exhibitionists (or even its great cover art) it’ll be a treat.
Mayer Hawthorne in the pouring rain, Moogfest 2011.
And of course Mayer Hawthorne always delivers; I met him backstage at the Orange Peel (venue for this Friday’s show as well) nearly three years ago, and his work since then has shown that he’s got more on his mind than neo-soul (though he nails that impressively).
Look for a full show review with photos soon thereafter. — bk
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.