Album Notes

Hospital Grade and BBQ Records are pleased to announce the release of Hospital Grade’s sophomore album Secrets & Sawdust.

The Saint John-based quartet meticulously picked away at the project for the last two years, expanding on its signature blend of spastic post-punk by incorporating spacious sonic landscapes and pop sensibilities into the mix.

Tracks like “The Sea Will Punish Us” and “Empty Ambulance Bay” break out of the gate with frenetic energy, yet are balanced by layered, cerebral offerings such as “Walking Papers, Too”, “Our House Is Still Out There”, and “Soviet”. The result is a challenging album that grabs listeners on the first spin and continues to unfold and captivate upon repeat listens.

“We wanted to explore what could be done sonically and texturally within the template of an intense, heavy song,” says Hospital Grade frontman Jason Ogden. “It challenges us as players, and hopefully, it challenges the listener. I think it’s an addictive and rewarding document. I feel like it’s the best thing i’ve ever been involved with.”

Ogden and bassist Andrew Earle - long time collaborators whose work stems back to their time together in quasi-legendary punk band NFA - are joined by returning drummer Mike McAloon and incoming guitarist Adam Kierstead, who adds a fresh voice to an already articulate musical machine. The latest line up has wowed audiences around Eastern North America for the last year, and Ogden is looking forward to a fresh batch of shows upon Secrets’ release.

“It’s going to be raw and direct,” says Ogden. “The studio and stage are different environments, and our performances tend to be more guttural than cerebral. I\'ve always felt our songs have a lot of twists and turns to them, so I am looking forward to seeing how people will react once they have experienced the album at home, and have a roadmap of sorts for our live shows.”