Switch: Historically, Hiss and Chambers were two men struggling with communist accusations against one another which led to their own demise. Is there similar struggle represented within the band’s music?
Dolan: Geez, I really hope not. I mean, we know Jasper’s a total commie, but we’re cool with that.
Switch: So then how did you guys decide on the band’s name?
Dolan: It’s actually partly recycled. I was in a band in 1992 named after Alger. I love the story but we just like how it sounds; both names could be words, and both words have sonic implications. It doesn’t sound like you’re talking about two guys unless you happen to be a history buff. But since I’m mush-mouthed, people always think I’m saying Hissing Chambers; which, I think, would be an awful band name.
God, I wonder if Alger knew, or knows from the ever-after, his impact on rock music in Portland, Maine.
Switch: Most bands are paying their dues repeatedly, playing shows that make no cash and struggling to get their name and music out there. Hiss & Chambers has seen quick success in the local scene. Why is that so?
Dolan: Well, we’ve all been in bands in Portland since we were too young to drink, so individually in that respect, its not like we just showed up to the party. I see how it appears that we busted out quickly with the Hiss, but we’ve been playing shows since last year. We got a lot of great attention from the start and the feedback has essentially been very positive — and I think that’s because we don’t take ourselves too seriously and we’re fun. Mostly though, I think we’ve been successfully walking this thin line where on one side you’re a brooding mopey band that people just stand and stare at, and on the other you’re a vapid party bar band. I feel like we’re the Ren McCormack of Portland rock bands, really.
Switch: What has been your best show so far and why?
Dolan: The first show at Geno’s was tremendous. This is the first time any of us have been in a dance band, and to look out and see all the pretty girls dancing that first time was immensely gratifying. (C’mon boys, if Chris Dingwell is dancing, you certainly should be).
But now, I’d say the record release party would definitely be the best — packed, and from the way it looked to me, an awesome dance party. It was just such a great time. And the after-party hosted by Salon Paragon was just unreal. What a night.
Switch: We’ve heard several descriptions of H&C’s sound. How do you describe it? Does the band fit into a genre?
Dolan: If nailed down to genres, I always say rock. If pressed further, maybe dance rock. Qualifying it any further is just not respecting the listener. But oh, how we describe the sound gets fun. The one I’ve been using a lot lately is Duran Duran’s Ritalin-deprived gothic little brothers. I think that works.