HSCM's first release in over a decade, "You Have Arrived" emancipates 12 songs that desire to find their place within the universe of melody and harmony.   "You Have Arrived" pushes sonics and instrumentation to a brink (in the vein of The War On Drugs), and then backs off slightly to bring in analogue warmth (a la Jason Isbell).  All of this may sound musically daunting, but after listening to this 45-minute power punch, you will leave with a spring in your step and the enjoyment will be measured by the amount of arm hairs standing on end.  Featuring 5 stellar vocalists and a talented array of Northeast Ohio’s musicians, “You Have Arrived” will grow on you with each listen and you might just find yourself dancing.
     Centered around 4 key piano pieces that serve as impetus for the project, "You Have Arrived" begins with "iPod Girl", a call back to the beloved musical hard-drive that served as personal jukebox to so many and ignited list-mania!  Further, piano incitement comes with “Alcoholic”, a Tori Amos inspired rocker featuring studio engineer Chris Matyus’ stunning, edgy guitar work.  “Mama’s Boy” tells the story of a disenfranchised youth from Kent, Ohio who falls in love with “a girl who understands” and is forced to make sense of the world after his father walks out and his mother is diagnosed with a fatal illness. Rounding off the piano pieces is “Stella”, a CSNY-like power ballad that tells the story of a gorgeous Jesus freak who leaves her mark on a sleepy town struggling with their beliefs.
     Although piano and keyboards are laced purposefully throughout “You Have Arrived”, the ariose guitar work of Richardson, the funky flare of bassist Mike Hovancsek combined with the strict-time symmetry of Scott Parish’s drums bring a dimension to the songs that give them a sound like none other.  Comparisons can be noted, but by the time listeners get to the tremendous background vocals of Kevin Szymanski and Terri Rhodes, feet should be tapping and sing-alongs should ensue which is the case in the tunes like “There Comes A Time” and “Clearly, The Maze”.  
     Not enough can be said about the major contributions from lead vocalists Michael James Anderson, Terri Rhodes, Kraig Decker and Emily Parker.  The casting director of this play deserves accolades as the beautiful, hair-raising pipes of these vocalists bring attention to the mastery and study of each piece.  Each song requires a particular vocalist to rise to the occasion and they all do just that.  
     The striking key track “Away Away” (sung by Parker) is especially one that stirs emotions and stimulates the nerve endings.  Parker’s voice is simply in top form and no one can sing like her in the minor key, with lyrics as poignant as they come.  Kraig Decker’s bold voice shines through on a quarter of the album.  On the song, “James Reeves”, Decker demonstrates how masterful lead work brings rise to astounding backing support.  The return of longtime HSCM member, Michael James Anderson draws keen attention as his sunshiny voice brighten spirits on “So To Speak ‘18” and “Audition”.   Carrying the majority of the load on lead vocals is the highly touted HCSM debut of Terri Rhodes.  Terri’s performance on “Holding Pattern” & “Power Couple” are not only staggering but stop all chit-chat in tracks with her powerful dynamics, yet consistent study and attention to detail, which creates an holistic engagement beckoning multiple listens.  
     Rounding things out are guest appearances by Pete Russell and Tony Frabotta on guitar, Macy Hatfield on viola/cello, and the late great Mike Meese on dobro - all who cap off each song with a genuine, homegrown, Ohio sound that underscores the great talent the Buckeye State has to offer the music trade.  
     Produced by J.C. Richardson & Chris Matyus for 2 Gatos Blancos Music, BMI.  Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Chris Matyus (April 2017 – May 2018) at Summit Music Studio, Northfield Center, Ohio.

You Have Arrived

Holding Pattern

Hope Street Church Mothers (HSCM) are a songwriting and recording entity from Northeast Ohio specializing in melody and harmony within the genres of rock ‘n’ roll, folk, pop, country & other realms.