"Hikikomori," the title of the debut full-length album by The Lucky Bastards, released in the Fall of 2006, is also the Japanese word for the phenomenon of isolation and social withdrawal by disaffected young people. Alienated by the pressures and customs of a rapidly changing, yet rigidly traditional culture, young Japanese hikikomori (the word is both noun and adjective in Japan) frequently connect with peers online, then make suicide pacts, which are often carried out at train stations and on rooftops in urban areas. Despite the Japanese origins of the word, "Hikikomori" the album was very much about growing up - and growing older - in Washington, D.C. Brothers Phil and Derrick Martin condensed their experience of life in Washington into 12 songs that explored cultural disaffection, religion, incarceration, isolation, and finally, hope. The Bastards examined all sides of DC in their sites, from go-go and rock clubs on Saturday night to Sunday church service, and contemplated the hypocrisy and expectations of both.
Formed in 2001, The Lucky Bastards' music is an mix of disparate influences, ranging from contemporary modern rock like Radiohead and Chocolate Genius, to old-school pop and soul, drawing rhythmic strength from classic Motown and Stax records' artists (the Funk Brothers and Booker T. and the MG's). Lead guitarist Tom Williams joined the group in late 2004, bringing classic and modern-rock influences with edgy and melodic guitar playing. Drummer Neil Hobbins joined in early 2006, adding a strong Philly sound coming from both previous groups and drumming in the Marine Corps Band.
The group is currently writing and recording their second album at Airtight Studios in NOVA and hope to release it by Fall of 2007. These new songs stress the idea that a band should be more than the sum of its parts and focus on reaching new harmonic and melodic goals based on the strengths of the individual musicians playing together. Phil and Neil have become a dynamic and powerful rhythym section showing the importance of locking down the groove of a song, leaving Tom and Derrick able to explore their ablilites, not only as lead and rhythym guitarists, but as two seperate, yet harmonic counterparts to a much larger sound. As always, Derrick's deep vocals layer into the song with insightful and heartfelt lyrics, usually revolving around love lost and the inevitable ups and downs that come with growing older and, hopefully, wiser.
Over 2007, the group has continued to hone their skills playing live shows in DC and NY venues with a continuing surge of momentum due to the new songs being presented to growing audiences. They will continue to shop their albums to major and indie labels and look to start touring around the country (and hopefully the world) with the upcoming release of their yet-to-be-titled album.
For booking or additional information, please contact: Tom Williams at [email protected]
