Henbrain - HANG GLIDER / 333 A​.​D.

Henbrain

HANG GLIDER / 333 A​.​D.
self-released; 2014
 
3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

I was pretty much sold on Henbrain after reading their bio. The website says they are “bass on bass, female fronted, organ freak out rock” and sound like “YES in 1969 with Grace Slick on vocals." Serve it up and I’m done. Their self-description is so right on point that it will serve as the foundation for my more in-depth review. 

The band consisting of Michelle Sontheimer (bass), Evan Ashworth (keys), Zack Hargett (bass), Erika Libero (vocals) and Keith Cannon (drums) have had a couple of releases during their existence. I encourage you to check out their debut album Heavy Pieces of the Sky along with HANG GLIDER / 333 A.​D. HANG GLIDER / 333 A.​​D. has only two songs - good songs but only two, which come in at about ten minutes in length.

The first track “Hang Glider” does indeed sound like YES and fits nice and snug into the genre of prog rock. I have to say bass on bass action was awesome but sometimes I couldn’t differentiate what was where. There was a dirty bass and a good amount of it but I couldn’t always make out the cleaner one. Anyway this is getting awkward.

Moving on, the organ (no pun intended) was a pivotal instrument that danced along with the bass in an endless barrage of notes.  The song is a good dose of acid type psychedelia that emanates the good vibes you want going on towards your peak. 

I know what you’re asking yourself. Is the second song “333 A.​​D.” about Flavius Julius Constans banning pagan sacrifices? I doubt it but Libero does mention wizards at one point. One thing this song does have in common with the Roman Empire is that it's pretty epic. For the five-plus minutes the band covers a lot of ground and flex their technical muscles. That slap bass playing is money but so is everything else.

Henbrain is pretty hip from head to toe. I approve global domination as long as they keep it real with the bass on bass action. 

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