Review: Hater’s Self-Titled Debut Unearthed From The Vaults
Even at the height of “grunge,” being in Soundgarden wasn’t enough for Ben Shepherd. In 1993 he formed a side project band, Hater, leaving his bass-playing behind in Soundgarden and taking up guitar in the side project. He also brought on board two members of Devilhead (John Waterman on bass, and Brian Wood, brother of late Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood, on vocals), ex-Monster Magnet guitarist John McBain, and Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron to join the ride. The group’s self-titled debut was released the same year.
Back then, with vinyl seemingly in decline, Hater was only available on CD. But a reissue, set for release on July 15th, will see the album released digitally and on vinyl for the first time, as well as CD. There are no bonus tracks, alas, but it’s nice to have the album back in circulation.
On its initial release, Hater threw Soundgarden fans for a loop, because it doesn’t the hard rock heaviness of that band. Instead, they open with a cover of Cat Stevens’ “Mona Bona Jakon” and make it sound like the Stooges. The music’s punky, gritty, raw stuff. There’s a streak of menace running throughout, most explicitly in the dark track “Who Do I Kill,” which brings the Velvet Underground to mind. Wood’s drawling vocals add to the hypnotic quality of songs like “Tot Finder” and “Roadside.”
There are some more laid back moments. The album’s other cover is a nicely rocked-up hoedown called “Blistered,” by country songsmith Bill “Edd” Wheeler. Even more unexpectedly, “Lion and Lamb” is a calm, measured instrumental; it would’ve made a good choice for an album closer. Instead, that honor’s given to the toe-tapping “Sad McBain,” which contains the proud boast, “Lynnwood’s my favorite stop.” Now, that’s a claim you’re unlikely to hear on any other record.
(You can pre-order and find out more information about Hater at haterhater.com. Watch the original music video for the track “Who Do I Kill” below via YouTube.)