HiSoft

Amateur

(Chocolate Hearts)

Record Review by Kate Kowsh

As either an impressive display of reverse psychology or a real, genuine downplaying of their talent, HiSoft, a fledgling band out of Philadelphia, sounds a little insecure.  Proof?  They’ve named their freshman offering, a five-song EP, Amateur.  A disclaimer of sorts, they even mention on their MySpace, “This record means what it's like to be a real amateur.”  Adding to their almost palpable insecurity, if that’s what it really is, Spin called them the “Band of the Day”—whatever that means.  But, hey, at least they’re being called anything at all, and by a national music publication no less.  Not bad.

A recycled collective of new and gently used musicians from the Lilys and the Asteroid # 4, it’s like their sound has long been marinated in the west coast Indie scene, and merely grilled on the east coast.  Singer/guitarist Gerhardt Koerner, in his dreamiest voice, coos through most of the tracks, while the others back him up with their candy-sweet, ear-pleasing harmonies.  All the ‘laid-back, smoke a doobie and love everyone’ euphoria pushing along the melodies can probably be attributed to the fact that drummer Jason Kourkounis and guitarist Don Devore are also in California-based bands.

“Country” is an example of an easy on the ears, harmony-filled number.  HiSoft summons thoughts of what it would sound like if the children of Coldplay and Oasis got together and started a band.  With a national tour set to kick off this spring and a full-length on the way, if these guys still think they’re amateurs, they’re only fooling themselves.