The Hard Lessons

Storming onto the Detroit rock scene in 2004, the Hard Lessons breathed new life into the Detroit garage sound and eclipsed it with their own unique blend of Motown and soul and their high-energy synth- and guitar-driven style. With songs that span from loud, rousing rockers with singalong crowd chants to moody, poppy ballads worthy of a stadium full of lighters held high, their style is at once immediate and fresh while also harking back to a sound and energy that most contemporary rock acts seem to have forgotten. The group is known for its ability to amp up the energy with the audience, using a simple yet effective mix of girl/boy vocal harmonies, catchy pop/rock hooks, and foot-stomping, hand-clapping beats. The band consists of three members, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Augie "Gin" Visocchi and organist/vocalist Korin "Ko Ko Louise" Cox, who are backed up by the powerful drumming of Christophe Zajac-Denek, otherwise known as the Anvil. Founded in East Lansing, MI, in 2003 while attending Michigan State University, the group originally began as a four-piece under the name "the Boll Weevils," but soon changed the name and scaled back to three members, with the bass player dropping out and Cox taking on bass organ duties. After crafting an explosive live set of original material, the group quickly rose to the forefront of the Lansing scene. After the members graduated from MSU, they set their sights on more gigs in the Detroit area and recording. The trio soon released the Feedback Loop 7" single in 2004. Produced by Jim Diamond, the two tracks show the band developing its sound and cutting its teeth on songs like the B-side, "Love Gone Cold," which showcases Cox's strikingly soulful, sultry vocal talents. The A-side has Visocchi taking on vocal duties and...