The Submarines
Issue #28
Declare a New State (Nettwerk)
By Katrina Martin Davenport
Published: June 1st, 2006 | 11:10am
The story of this record is a sappy romantic’s dream: Duo Blake Hazard and John Dragonetti fell in love, became members of each other’s bands, and toured Europe together. Everything seemed peachy until they realized they couldn’t make it work. They broke up and, like good singer-songwriters, wrote heartbreaking songs about how much they missed each other. But the story doesn’t end there: This is a break-up record with a Hollywood ending. Hazard and Dragonetti got back together and a friend mastered Declare a New State as a wedding present to the couple. Now the album’s available for all happily-ever-after lovers to swoon over.
During the split, it was clear that H and D were still smitten with each other. The album features lyrics that express their continuing love, like “I should be gone / Cast away / But still I’d love you,” from “Peace and Hate.” The fact that the songs on the album were not meant for release makes for a raw and intimate listening experience.The songs are beautiful, simple arrangements peppered with electronic loops and effects and the seamless blending of two lovers’ voices. Anyone who believes in fate, love, and good music should check Declare a New State out.
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