"Young as they might be in age, The Hugs have
seen some ups and downs in their days. Led by the only constant, Danny
Delegato, since 2007, the Portland-based garage pop rock band has seen
members come and go over the years. Their early days saw them signed
to Columbia UK/1965 Records in London and touring Europe, England and
the States, opening for bands like The Kooks, The Brian Jonestown
Massacre, The Dandy Warhols, The Walkmen, and The Cribs—many of which
the group has been compared to.
Releasing records in 2007 and 2009, Delegato says those “first two
LPs were heavy, power-pop type songs—wearing our age on our sleeve. Time
changes things and I think I’ve learned a lot.”
The original band quit after the label dropped the band. Delegato
stuck with it, just like he always has since forming The Hugs as a 17
year old in high school.
“It’s been a long ride so far,” Delegato says. ”I decided to do this
band no matter what happens. Most people would have just given up. But
why would I end or break up The Hugs?”
The latest album, Dirty Gems, came out this past summer,
featuring a new lineup—Delegato (lead vocals, guitar), Patrick Wilcox
(guitar, vocals), Mitch Wilson (drums), Davey Appaloosa (bass)—and
sound.
“Musically, we have gotten more edgier and rock ‘n’ roll on Dirty Gems,” Delegato
describes, yet the content of the songs seems to highlight a carefree
immaturity with breezy songs about love and girls and drinking as well
as “Sunshine And Cigarettes.” The second single, ”American Lie,” has a
roaring Dandys vibe while the poppy, catchy call outs on opener
“Reykjavik” and “Dot Dot” recall a Brit-rock sound that was undoubtedly
influential during Delegato’s early years with The Hugs. "http://oregonmusicnews.com/2012/09/21/persistently-reshaping-the-hugs-with-danny-delegato/
