Eastport Arts Center will host backwoods-folk-punk-psychedelia trio, the Hymn for Her Family Band, on Thursday, July 6 at 7 pm. Originally a Mom-and-Pop duo, the act now includes daughter Diver on vocals and piano. (EAC fans may remember Diver making brief appearances on stage during the duo’s early visits to Eastport—see below).
Diver (left), Lucy and Wayne are shown on the EAC stage in 2013. Photo by Robin Farrin.
Hymn for Her’s mash-up of country, blues and punk led U.K. music critic Steve Bennett to call their sound “a riotous, rocking roadkill stew,” while others have referenced such diverse bands as Captain Beefheart, Primus, X, R.L. Burnside, JS Blues Explosion and the Ramones.
Impressively, they create their “ripsaw sounds” (Los Angeles Times’ Randy Lewis) with only a few instruments. Wayne (with the devilish voice), mainly playing the kick-drum, high-hat, acoustic guitar and harp, serves as the group’s rhythmic driving force. Lucy (of the fallen-angel voice) delivers a gritty squall on her “Lowebow” — a custom-made cigar-box guitar: “The Riff Monster.” During the pandemic, Hymn For Her played a live song online every Sunday for more than a year. These “Singalong Sundays” were a way to share smiles and keep connected with fans. Their daughter would often take part on piano and vocals, which led to her joining the band. In 2022, the trio played 60 dates in Europe during the summer. This summer, the trio, bringing their energetic mix of flavors and tight-knit family harmonies, will tour the U.S., with stops in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and the Rocky Mountains. Eastport Arts Center is thrilled to have them back for their third show at the Center.
Hear Diver's lead vocals on the beautiful new tune "Electric Love" here: https://hymnforher.bandcamp.com/track/electric-love; or check out the whole family sound on "Elders" https://hymnforher.bandcamp.com/track/elders or "Guns, Porn & Jesus" https://hymnforher.bandcamp.com/track/guns-porn-jesus!
Tickets for the show are $15; attendees 17 and under will be admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased at the EAC box office 30 minutes prior to each show, or reserved in advance by email to info@eastportartscenter.org. The Eastport Arts Center is at 36 Washington Street, Eastport, and at www.eastportartscenter.org, and is handicapped-accessible. EAC abides by the State of Maine CDC COVID guidelines, revisiting our policy monthly. At this time, the use of masks in our building is optional.
Find out more on the Hymn for Her site, https://hymnforher.com!