The Hush Sound ~ April 6, 2008 Rochester, NY

Words and Photos by Joe Koch

This was part of the Honda Civic/ Panic at the Disco tour. To be honest with you, for The Hush Sound I am a virgin, literally, I just purchased their new disc, Goodbye Blues, two days before the show. I gave it a spin about three times through and I was instantly captivated by the genuine voice of Greta Salpeter, who also plays the piano throughout the entire CD.
I was equally impressed by Robert Morris taking the reigns on a number of songs. The rhythm section is comprised of Chris Faller (bass) and Darren Wilson (drums.) They add the perfect backbeat to these toe-tapping, pop- driven songs, with a little bounce.
Their live show has the same energetic feel. I wish Greta would have been behind a piano and not a keyboard. Visually it’s more appealing and the sound of the keys on a piano grab you with conviction.
Whether it was Greta or Robert on vocals, the band as a whole was on mark. They pounded out songs like “Medicine Man” and “As You Cry.”
As they prepared the underage crowd for a Motown favorite, Greta stepped out from behind the keys and let a friend sit in. Greta, in her fifties style skirt took the center stage and led the band with their version of “Like a Heat Wave.”
I don’t think many bands could have pulled this off or would even attempt it, but in The Hush Sound signature way, they are successful.
The highlight comes when Brendon Urie (lead vocals for Panic at the Disco) darts on stage. He sings a couple of lines from “Don’t Wake Me Up” and quickly disappears, leaving everyone screaming for more.
The fact that I knew at least half of their songs after listening to them only a handful of times, is a testament to The Hush Sound's ability to write catchy, memorable songs. Unfortunately they were limited to a half-hour set. I’m definitely looking forward to the next time.
Watch for them this summer as their Dance Across the Country tour stops in your city.

Photo by Joe Koch

For more info: go to www.thehushsound.com