Mp3 exclusive: Hooray for Earth

DOWNLOAD: Hooray for Earth, "Simple Plan" (mp3)

The band formerly known as Raymond makes a huge leap forward: new name, dirty-as-shit guitars, bubbletechno synths, and anthemic moping. Quite possibly the missing link between Magnetic Fields and Andrew W.K., though left to their own devices, they call it something completely different: "Blur, Nirvana, and Enya breaking things at a video arcade in hell." Coming sometime this year: a self-titled album recorded with engineer Brian Brown (Juliana Hatfield, Pilot to Gunner). Fresh off a SXSW showcase and a three-week tour with Porsches on the Autobahn and the Unbusted, they're playing the WFNX New England Product/ThePhoenix.com party on Friday (read: tomorrow) at Bill's Bar. [More details] Sarah Tomlinson ran into the bass player, and the following exchange ensued:

Q: Does your album have a name yet?

A: It is self titled. Since we changed our name from Raymond to HFE this year, we figured it made sense. Ya know, start fresh, and at the same time beat the new name into people's heads.

Q: Where did you record it?

A: all over. Honestly it was mostly done by Noel (our singer/songwriter) in our practice space. But to list the proper studios that were used: Tracking was done at The Moontower in Cambridge, Briggs Bros. Studios in Framingham, and Witch Doctor studio in Salem, MA. I think Witch Doctor is now defunct. Mixing was split between the Windham in Bellows Falls Vt. (this is the new incarnation of what was Ft. Apache) and then Attercop Sound in Seattle, WA. We worked with local engineer/producer Brian Brown. Noel produced the record and Brian co-produced. Brian also mixed the record. Brian has done a bunch of local and national artists. You can find him on allmusic.com. Also, I think his discography page is in our top 8.

Q: Are you shopping it?

A: The plan is to shop it while we release it on our own locally and drum up a BUZZ or whatever.

Q: Are the songs from your Myspace page on the album?

A: Yes

Q: Do you have any fun surprises planned for the Bill's Bar show -- cover songs? fireworks? jello shots?

A: We plan to smash faces... or something. And maybe after we can all do jello shots together.