On Dec 7th Hardworker of Durham, NC took the stage at Rockwood Music Hall in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. The band has a sound that is deeply rooted in American folk but breaks out and finds its home in todays indie singer/songwriter pool of talent. Lead singer and guitarist Sus Long lead the band through a set of songs off their latest release Go Alone as well as a few tracks from albums past.
By the second song they had to crowds undivided by playing the folk rock turned garage rock anthem “Look More Like A Girl”. The vocal harmonies divided between Long and Alex Treyz on “Lazarus” really filled the room with a Gospel vibe. Mid set the track “Kate” brought the energy with sharp guitars from Daniel Nowell and a distorted four string banjo played by Mike Connor. Wrapping up the already heartfelt show with all out folk song “Kansas City” we were left knowing the band can channel the North Carolinian roots. Elizabeth Cotton would have even probably approved of the bands ode to home.
Hardworker fits into and breaks out of the folk rock mold and they put on a great show in the meantime. Keep up with them here.
Durham, North Carolina’s rock collective Hardworker – comprised of Sus Long, Mike Conner, Danny Nowell, and Alex Treyz – recently released a full length album titled Go Alone. Among the 11 high energy, folk-tinged rock, there is a standout track titled “Look More Like A Girl”, a track with a message we are 120% on board with. Starting with direct, quirky vocals and then bringing in a steady, catchy rhythm (and not to mention clapping), Hardworker has created a hip swaying track. With lyrics like “we gotta talk about your hair / and the message that it’s sending” and “why don’t you act more like a lady?” the song jabs at unwelcome comments that – unfortunately – women hear every single day. In its own way, the track is a feminist anthem, but it also comes from a place that makes it relatable, instead of coming off as the artist standing on a soap box. Especially with what’s been coming to the forefront in society – both in entertainment in the last week, and other industries overall -, “Look More Like A Girl” is done in a tasteful way, simply throwing these comments back into the world at everyone.
This track is a well-composed equalizer, and as a woman-led publication that aims to bring positive messages and conversations to the forefront in music, we thought it was important to bring your attention to this solid track – and complete album – by Hardworker.
Go Alone is available now. Keep up with Hardworker here.
