We had been hoping to film Hallelujah the Hills for some time, things just had not worked out for several months.  We would make tentative plans, or the band would, and then something would happen and our plans would fall through.  That’s why, one chilly, late winter night we almost could not believe that we were on our way to the band’s practice space in Somerville to film aSleepover Show.  We pulled up in an industrial area and climbed to the second floor of the space they shared with other bands, a two room area separated by a staircase and cluttered with instruments.  The band introduced themselves and we could not help but notice the framed page from an old Playboy magazine with the title Hallelujah the Hills.  We asked if this had anything to do with the band name and lead singer Ryan Walsh said no, and that it was only a happy accident that he came across that page. We tried not to think about the double entendre and got to work.

First formed in 2006, Hallelujah the Hills is well known in Boston and has had the opportunity to tour with Silver Jews and Titus Andronicus (even providing instrumentation for their latest album, The Monitor).  HtH have released two albums within the past few years: Collective Psychosis Begone and their newest, Colonial Drones on the label, Misra Records.  The band has also released an LP titled Prepare to Qualify. While filming each song, we were drawn to the literary lyrics and introductions (to two of the songs) done by Walsh.  The ambiance of the variety of twinkling lights and decor in the practice space made for the perfect atmosphere as the band played through their three song set.

First up, Hungry Ghost Extraordinaire.

Next is Introductory Saints, a song that starts with a very entertaining back story.

Third is Call Off Your Horses.

We were having such a great time that we weren’t ready to call it a night and HtH suggested we head to the nearby liquor store for a fourth song.  The owners of the store accommodated happily and let us crowd into the aisles lined with wine bottles while they took in the show from behind the register. The bonus song is Nurses 5 Float Past, off the LP Prepare to Qualify.  

The band is playing a show at Great Scott on September 28th, be sure to swing by if you can!