Pittsburgh, Pa rock outfit Hepcat Dilemma formed in mid 1992, right at the peak of Alt-Rock and Grunge. Noise Rock was becoming a more prevalent style and sound. Fuzzy guitars and progessive chord structures were accompanied by clear, yet angst filled vocals. Through line-up changesand members being involved in other projects, Hepcat Dilemma had over 10 years of strong recordings and live shows. In 2003, Hepcat Dilemma began what would seem to be an indefinite hiatus as band members went their separate ways and onto other projects. A 2012 one-off reunion performance garnered enough fan interest and re-lit the Hepcat fire, that a second coming of Hepcat Dilemma started to build.
Art Imitates Life was actually released in 2019. The COVID-19 global pandemic put a halt on live shows and any real promotion for the album. As felt by bands and performers worldwide, the album was essentially shelved. Now that things are beginning to calm, Hepcat Dilemma are getting back at it! Art Imitates Life gives a fresh view on a nostalgic sound. It is Zappa fueled gritty noise rock influenced by 80s hardcore. Big guitars and technical playing with incredible bass tones, this trio is back and better than ever.
“Cowboy Song” gives a real dose of the great bass playing that follows with the rest of the album. Oscillating and theatrical vocals give this obscure song a bonus touch of delightful absurdity. “Countdown” is filled with background noise and a killer groove. Fuzzy guitars are your guide on this train ride headed in a downward spiral. “Countdown” is a psychedelic trip that still find a way to remain grounded. “The Chauffeur Will Have the Last Word” delivers some great jazzy bass. The raw and distorted guitars bring in the scratchy sound of early hardcore. The vocals being almost spoken word gives this jazz punk mash an eerie feeling.
“The Hepcat Motto” is almost wild. A crazier sounding desert rock groove is the backbone of this moving track. It is impossible to be bored with this time signature. That fuzzy and heavy groove continues into “Night of the Spiders”. It pulls you in and makes it easy to get lost in it. The slowed and melodic verse sets up sci-fi and horror vibes. There is a post-hardcore (think Fugazi) sound to “Persian Monkey Treatment”. The higher octave bass playing is highlighted in the mix. The last minute or so feels like spinning out of control.
“Sky Cycle” brings some anger to the vocal delivery. The technical and progressive playing do not detract from the hard rock attitude. This song has some grit layered onto its outstanding musicianship. “Blindsided in Aisle 12” has a big rock feel. The kind of song expected in an arena full of fans. Punk and Hard Rock had a love child and named it “Blindsided in Aisle 12”. If Lee Ving was in someway an inspiration here, it would be surprising. To close the album, “What Will Her Kiss Mean Tomorrow” is melodic, yet hard-hitting. More great bass and guitar work that has come to be expected is on full display. The album closes with as much Zappa influenced obscurity as it opened with.
Art Imitates Life has a nostalgic 90s feel, but with an invigorated and refined sound. Hepcat Dilemma are in no way pigeon-holed into one sound. The are expansive and pull from every direction for inspiration. The musicianship and irregular timing make for an interesting journey. Art Imitates Life is available now for streaming and on 12in vinyl via Rat On A Stick Records.