Episode 147: Dave Ramirez (Hypnolovewheel)

The initial lifespan of New York City indie-rock group Hypnolovewheel lasted only from 1986 to 1993, but in that relatively short time the band released five albums—starting with 1988’s Turn! Turn! Turn! and culminating with Altered States in 1993.

While the band’s fine body of work has been hard to get hold of in the digital age, the band recently got the rights back to their catalogue and now, happily, Parallel Universe a career-spanning retrospective gets a full release (having previously been available on a limited vinyl run).

And that’s what guitarist Dave Ramirez and I are here to discuss. Which is to say we’re going through the story of Hypnolovewheel. The formation, the releases, the tours, Yo La Tengo, Steve Albini, Kramer, Jesus Lizard and other names that pop up along the way.

Sadly, drummer Peter Walsh is not around the be able to celebrate the release of Parallel Universe (having passed away in 2021), but for the remaining members of the band Dan Cuddy, Dave Ramirez and Stephen Hunking, the possibility of a few shows this year seem to be crystallising—you can follow the band on Instagram for updates.

In the meantime, check out Parallel Universe in all its glory on bandcamp right here.

Thanks to Howard at Howlin’ Wuelf Media.

Hypnolovewheel on Instagram.

For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground

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