Hutch Harris Delivers His First Album in a Decade: The Thermals Release Under Crushing Rain
After a decade spent in the studio, Hutch Harris has finally delivered his first album in ten years, Under Crushing Rain, set for release on September 4th. Much like his acclaimed 2003 debut, this new project is a pure expression of Harris’s singular vision, created entirely by him.
When asked about the album’s creation, Harris offered an illuminating perspective. Under Crushing Rain was crafted with the same spirit as his earlier solo efforts, specifically More Parts Per Million: fast, cost-effective, and completely in control. Produced within his own studio, Brainwash, and released through his independent label, Static Catsup Aspic, the record stands as a fine addition to The Thermals’ catalog.
Harris’s journey with music is unique. Twenty-four years ago, he formed The Thermals in Southeast Portland and played every instrument on their first LP by himself. While that initial experience led to a live band and years of touring, Harris ultimately decided that the true artistic core for him lay in writing and recording—not necessarily in the demands of being a full-blown band.
Though he stepped away from the noise and chaos of full band life, Harris still deeply misses those elements. He missed the exuberance, the raw power, and the punctuality that defined The Thermals. He remains passionate about making Thermals records, finding joy in the act of creation itself.
This desire to capture that feeling is what drove him to create Under Crushing Rain. It was an exercise in channeling that raw energy directly onto the tape, proving that incredible music doesn’t require a sprawling collective.
Harris emphasized that he poured his heart into this record, expressing hope that the album will be appreciated for its content rather than simply its backstory. He feels incredibly excited to share these songs with the world.
Under Crushing Rain features ten tracks, including anthems like Good Morning Fellow Scavengers, Spirit Collector, and I Have Had Enough Blood, offering listeners a vibrant dive into Harris’s creative universe.
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Credit: BrooklynVegan
