Thoughts Words Action: https://thoughtswordsaction.com/2020/08/27/hcthcb/

Hidden Cabins is a remarkable indie-folk duo comprised of Craig Cirinelli (vocals and hand percussions) and Brian Hofgesang (guitar, textures, addt’l microphone). They recorded numerous recordings in this lineup, such as a split compact disc with Brother Octopus, a split 10” record called Weathered with Eyeswan. Then the duo appeared on Daily Grooming compilation with Suffer The Surge, recorded another single named Corners, and released a 7” flexi entitled We’re Not Local. Later on, they have done another split 10″ record with Christina Alessi called Boundaries, recorded a single Bet It All On You, and appeared on The Damp Jersey Basement Vol. 2 with The Calming. The duo tried to keep consistency through immense creativity and hard work. It’s more than evident they succeeded in their intentions.

The Hidden Cabins Band is their latest recording stacked with five profoundly emotive compositions. This time, the duo is backed up by the tremendous support of Rich Perry and Jay DelGuidice, who are filling the spots with bass guitar and drums. Empowered by the remarkable rhythm section, Hidden Cabins are continuing their journey through the vast universe of indie music. Perhaps the folk aspect is still the most dominant one, but the group unveils a massive affection towards other music genres. Therefore, you may hear very notable influences of indie rock, indie pop, alternative rock, Americana, country, soul, and a lot more picked up along the way.

This material showcases a profoundly emotional side of the group, mainly transcended through Craig’s phenomenal vocal abilities. His soothing voice provides a wholehearted, confident, delightful performance that carries the listeners through five thoughtfully written stories. The appealing sounds of acoustic guitar are liberating such a perfect background for his vocal maneuvers, but also giving an in-depth glimpse into delicate melodic structures. Warm sounding basslines are soaking all the high tones, but also fulfilling the gaps between acoustic guitars and excellent drumming performance. The drummer brings almost desperately needed rhythmical support to the group that certainly uplifts these melodies on an entirely new level. The group liberates massive portions of astounding musicianship that will leave speechless all the fans of alternative rock-driven indie-folk.

Hidden Cabins are satisfying all the necessary criteria when it comes to composing beautiful indie numbers, loaded with more than enough diverse moments that evoke melancholy, nostalgia, and bring back memories of both good and bad things in life. It’s a record for all the seasons and moods. The Hidden Cabins Band EP comes on a compact disc housed on a marvelously designed cardboard sleeve. It’s available at Engineer Records web store, so go ahead and grab it.

- Djordje Miladinović

Audioeclectica (Band of the Week): http://audioeclectica.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/band-of-the-week-hidden-cabins/amp/
There are certain voices that resonate well within multiple genres. One of my favorite things to hear a singer that is in a heavy rock band and hear them stripped down and let them show how good of a vocalist they really are. I did a band of the week piece a while back on a band called Damn This Desert Air, and their singer Craig Cirinelli has always stayed in my head. Craig has another project called Hidden Cabins. The duo consists of Craig Cirinelli (vocals/percussion) and Brian Hofgesang (guitars/effects/vocals). This two piece collective is genre expanding, melodic, and really soothing. The group has released a  plentiful collection of songs over the last couple years and continue to put out quality songs at a steady pace. With Memorial Day this weekend, Hidden Cabins is the perfect soundtrack for late night BBQ’s, fire pits, and just relaxing. 
-Brian Lacey

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The Aquarian (Makin Waves Record of the Week): http://www.theaquarian.com/2018/10/11/makin-waves-record-of-the-week-hidden-cabins-the-hidden-cabins-band-ep/

Hidden Cabins are a great alternative roots-rock band from North Jersey who will release the five-song The Hidden Cabins Band EP on October 12 on Pyrrhic Victory Records. The outing is the band’s first as a four-piece following several releases as a duo. Vocalist-percussionist Craig Cirinelli and guitarist Brian Hofgesang now are joined by The Skels drummer Rich Perry and The Suspects bassist Jason Del Guidice.

  Their studio collaboration opens with “The One that Got Out,” a poetic jangle slightly reminiscent of R.E.M., but meatier, that borrows a bit o’ melody from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Scar Tissue.” The title refers to a friend who exits a small town that seems to bring its people down.

  That restless spirit continues with “News at 11,” which compares reports of abuse to that within one’s own circle of family and friends, understandably marking such situations preferable to watch than experience. A sweet, soulful organ played beautifully by Hofgesang drives this tasty track and makes it one of the standouts.

  That honor also goes to the ironically intense “The Calming,” which features the record’s best lyrics: “Aggression won’t teach my young/Accept all that they’ve done.” The chilling look at anger management hits hard on many levels.

  Also tasty is “One More Sip,” which sounds like Train without the pop theatrics. The accessible approach to roots music, however, makes for the EP’s most rhythmic track, as well as a rich showcase for Perry’s talent. I also will like the atmospheric effects that break up the middle of the track with a haunting vibe.

  The closest thing to a clunker among the bunch is the overlong closer, “Bet It All on You,” which gambles on a grandiose “Hey Jude”-like conclusion by repeating a verse over and over in a variety of different vocal and musical ways. But Crinelli is not Paul McCartney and “Bet” is no “Hey Jude.”

  It’s a shame too because before the five-minute ending, it’s a very strong four-minute acoustic song with an exotic melody and instrumentation that has an Asian tinge, particularly kabuki theater. Perhaps it’s better as a live jam, which may be the case when Hidden Cabins celebrate the release of the EP on October 13 at the Harp ‘N’ Bard in Clifton. Sharing that bill will be Reese Van Riper, The 65’s, and T. Gunn & the Semantics. Hidden Cabins also will play October 14 at Erie 80 MTB Festival at Riverside Park in Port Jervis, N.Y.

-Bob Makin

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