Based in Melbourne for the last few decades, HOSS was one of those Aussie bands in the 90’s that featured in gig guides every other weekend. Their sound was easily recognisable with hints of 70’s garage and boogie, all the while managing to keep their hard rock sound. Robyn Morrison caught up with vocalist, Joel Silbersher ahead of their shows at the Sando in Sydney and the Headlands Hotel in Austinmer in June.
For those not familiar with HOSS’ background, Silbersher shares what the band has been up to in the last few years. “We play shows when we are asked to if we feel like it and despite our lack of discipline and ambition, still seem to effortlessly rock arse and set the night on fire”, he says. Given that HOSS has been a staple in the music industry for more than two decades, what does Silbersher believe has been the highlight over the years? “(It’s) hard to pick but right now I’d say that doing such a HOSS-specific interview as this is right up there. It is flattering, as artistes, to feel that your work over twenty two years is worthy of such intense scrutiny.”
HOSS released their first piece of recorded material in 1990 in the form of the Green 7″ vinyl. Between their first release and their last, they churned out no less than eleven pieces of recorded material in various formats. Their last piece was a full length CD titled, Do You Leave Here Often? Silbersher explains which recording is the most significant to him. “We didn’t write or record it but I very much enjoyed doing Saturday Night Special by LYNYRD SKYNRD last night in Heathcote. It was a Saturday night so it was very relevant. Also, several of the crowd members probably did have handguns.”
Further elaborating on their current day set list, Silbersher explains what punters can expect to hear at their next show. “Same ol’ totally awesome shit. A choice sampling of nuggets from throughout our long strenuous career,” he says humbly. And whilst they haven’t written or recorded any new material in recent years, Silbersher explains why. “(There’s) no need. The stuff we have already is pure and good.” What will their set list consist of at these shows in June? Silbersher gives us the low down. “Well, we play really good, hard rock and roll. We don’t have a turntablist anymore. (We have) guitars and banging and shouting. I can honestly say that if I wasn’t in it, HOSS would be my favourite band. (We) haven’t played the Sando for years but we used to love it. We would play two or three sets. Then I would throw up.”
After these shows, Silbersher alludes to the fact that there may not be much on the horizon for HOSS. ” You never know. Very little I expect. But what there is will be awesome and pleasureful.”
Catch HOSS in two mammoth shows in June.
Tour dates
3 June 2011 at The Sando Hotel in Newtown with The New Christs and Nunchukka Superfly
Story courtesy of SLUDGE FACTORY http://www.sludgefactory.com.au/