Rock/Review Hyporadar - This Ain't the Day I Die (Remastered)

After college, Shane Duquette decided to start his project by himself. The project would be inspired by a small genre of rock music called “low rock” that Duquette was hoping to keep alive. Taking inspiration from multiple genres and trying to combine elements from them, Hyporadar was born.

"This Ain't the Day I Die (Remastered)" demonstrates Shane Duquette's development as Hyporadar and is a monument to do-it-yourself artistry and creative perseverance. The song, which was first recorded in his basement in early 2023, started out as a straightforward practice session but swiftly developed into the project's defining statement. The song, which is based on a simple yet compelling bass line, perfectly captures Hyporadar's philosophy of being unvarnished, unpolished, and unabashedly real.

Unable to locate a vocalist that would help him realize his idea, Duquette decided to do it himself, evoking the unique murky vocal styles of John McCrea (CAKE) and Mark Sandman (Morphine). The vocal performance that results gives the song its gloomy, deadpan beauty by straddling the boundary between spoken word and singing. The music pulses with subtle intensity, reminiscent of late-night reflection and smoky basement parties, along with a steady drum groove and mesmerizing bass basis.

Without compromising its gritty quality, Colin Leonard's 2025 remaster at SING Mastering in Atlanta enhances the original's do-it-yourself vibe. Duquette's vocal shines through with fresh clarity, and the mix is bigger and more dynamic, with the bass locking in securely against clear percussion. The song's promise is enhanced by Leonard's touch, which respects its origins while preparing it for a larger audience.

Hyporadar's hallmark song, "This Ain't the Day I Die (Remastered)," is still an anthem of subdued tenacity and creative will. It's evidence that sometimes the most captivating music comes from basements, late hours, and a refusal to wait for someone else to create it rather than from well-maintained facilities.