carpe carmina celebrates IX (feat. Jason Hughes (Dead Replicas))

Welcome back to number 9 of the performances dedicated to carpe carmina and 4 years of musical musings. And what could better represent the style of sound carpe carmina aims to support than an acoustic take on a gripping rock tune rich in raw edginess and melodic intensity? Exactly, not much comes to mind, so let's settle for it and give an ear to Dead Replicas' very own Jason Hughes – who some might still remember as tense-and-throaty-frontman of macunian rock-outfit the Unassisted - presenting a passionately wistful track that hits the mark poignantly straight.

photo courtesy of Trust A Fox Photography

Back when carpe carmina turned 3 years old ...

... Dead Replicas probably occurred to Jason Hughes as not much more than a daring, however tempting thought, a thrillingly tickling idea to go new ways musically. It wasn't before august 2016 though that the Unassisted transformed into the firm alt-rock trio many now favor for tunes like 'Into The Sunshine We're Gone' and 'Reload'. Soon announcements of an EP in the making followed, promising pre-tastes of what to expect popped up on your soundcloud feed if you kept an eye on and interest in the trio's musical doings, the first (deservedly) well-disposed review of 'Plastic Sun' saw the light of day in september and a first-time gig as new-named band was hold in Rhyl at The North Bar. It all came with a fresh installment of 'bands on bands' (in which Jason discusses indie music from a musician's point of view) and airplay on 'Dr. Bones' and Bee's Banter Hour' as part of Dr. Bones' music show as well as on Radio Kaos Caribou (featured on an episode of carmina suavia). Now that their debut EP '2' is out and jam sessions shared on social media add to our every hope that brand new music is worked on, carpe carmina cannot wait to learn what comes next for Dead Replicas – a string of live shows, an album even? Let's also not forget about Jason's second band baby, Tear Of The Red Eye (he's on lead-guitar and provides backing vocals) whose sinister debut single 'Scars' was unleashed in march – exciting days indeed, for him and his pals.

Music well worth listening to ...

.... that's what Jason Hughes' vocal-centred, dark and distorted compositions imply. With a full-band-sound behind it, 'Reload' is defined by fiercely staggering guitar work and energetic drum rhythmics, an atmospheric and absorbing tonality evoked in total. As acoustic version the song has a charm on its own, less demanding and boisterous, bitter and moody still, even more emotionally yearning and poignant in melody and message. But hear for yourself ...

Let's hear it from Jason Hughes ...

'Happy birthday to carpe carmina. Easily the coolest blog around. Always guarantees an opinion on music that captures the reader leaving them wanting to listen to the bands that are under review. I always enjoy the style of writing and articulate nature of the blogs. And to be featured is always a privilege and an exciting way to see what kind and creative word are said about your music. Here at  Dead Replicas HQ we wish you a happy birthday month and look forward to the acoustic treats that lie in wait.'

Reach out & listen to Jason Hughes (Dead Replicas) on ...

.. twitter ...

.. facebook ...

.. soundcloud ...

Purchase Dead Replicas' debut EP '2' here.