What the music industry might call a supergroup could just simply be a group of longtime pals getting together to write some tunes and jam the hell out of them.
But when one of the buddies is one most influential indie rock figures alive, it’s sensible that the media and fans alike will attach lofty expectations to the project, even before it shapes up as a tour.
To be fair, the Hard Quartet did come up with a pretty bold name for itself. Featuring Stephen Malkmus of Pavement fame, the band formed a couple years ago, but word of it took some time to get out. Even that news was perhaps a bit muffled by all the buzz about Pavement and the soon-to-be-released fictional biopic, Pavements.
Listen to the Hard Quartet’s self-titled 2024 debut via Spotify:
But this four-man squad isn’t just about Malkmus. He’s joined by a group of veteran friends: Emmett Kelly (Cairo Gang), Matt Sweeney (Chavez), and Jim White (Dirty Three).
Though the Hard Quartet’s released only last fall’s self-titled record and two recent singles, the band’s makeup alone has generated a great deal of interest among the bandmate’s followers, especially with Kelly’s and White’s past collaboration with Will Oldham.
After touring across Australia, the Hard Quartet began its trek through the states in early March on a string of shows that’ll take the group to the West Coast come early May.
The night of March 25, the band entertained an intimate 9:30 Club audience with just about every song in its young catalogue, including “Lies,” released in early March.
Listen to the latest single from the Hard Quartet, “Lies,” via Spotify:
Malkmus, Kelly and Sweeney shared guitar, bass and vocal duties while White impressed from his seat in the back. These four seasoned musicians laughed it up from start to finish and enjoyed what looked like their own private jam session on a Tuesday night in the nation’s capital.
Witnessing the camaraderie on display, and marveling at the remarkable skills and three distinct voices, those on hand could clearly see that this “supergroup” is as much about friendship as it is star power.
Setlist
Heel Highway
Killed by Death
Our Hometown Boy
Eart Hater
Rio’s Song
Renegade
Hey
It Suits You
Lies (Something You Can Do)
Six Deaf Rats
Action for Military Boys
Jacked Existence
North of the Border
Gripping the Riptide
Thug Dynasty
Chrome Mess
Below are photos of the Hard Quartet performing at 9:30 Club on March 25, 2025. All images copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.
