H2O has been a cornerstone of the hardcore punk scene for decades. For those who were there from the beginning, the release of their self-titled debut album and the raw energy of their early shows in the nineties are unforgettable. After a period of relative quiet, they returned with Nothing To Prove, and more recently, Bridge 9 Records unveiled Don’t Forget Your Roots, a cover album that sparked considerable discussion among fans and critics alike. To shed light on the creation of this album, we spoke with H2O’s bassist, Adam Blake, gaining insight into the motivations and processes behind this tribute to their musical heroes.
The Genesis of a Tribute: Inspiration and Timing
Many bands turn to cover albums when songwriting inspiration wanes. We asked Adam if this was the primary driver behind Don’t Forget Your Roots, or if it was a long-term project finally realized.
“It’s a little of both,” Adam explained. “We had talked about doing a tribute record for a long time, and we weren’t quite ready to dive into writing a new album of original material. The timing felt right to finally pay homage to the bands that shaped us.” This album wasn’t just a stopgap; it was a deliberate act of musical remembrance, a way to celebrate the bands that laid the foundation for H2O’s own sound.
Adam Blake of H2O, bass player, performing live on stage.
“We wanted to steer clear of the overdone classics, like ‘Blitzkrieg Bop,’ and focus on bands that directly influenced our sound.”
Curating the Tracklist: A Deliberate Selection Process
Choosing the right songs for a cover album is crucial. We inquired about the selection process: how did H2O decide which tracks to include? Was it a democratic process with band members pitching and debating song choices? And were there any songs that almost made the cut but didn’t?
Adam detailed the thoughtful approach they took: “Choosing the bands to cover was fairly straightforward. The real challenge was narrowing down the songs. We wanted to steer clear of the overdone classics, like ‘Blitzkrieg Bop,’ and focus on bands that directly influenced our sound. We went back and forth with suggestions and eventually landed on the final tracklist.” He also revealed some near-misses: “We actually recorded the music for another Embrace song, and we started working on an Agnostic Front tune – ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ – and even a Tribe Called Quest song, ‘Check The Rhyme.’ Ultimately, for various reasons, those tracks didn’t make the final cut.”
Honoring Friends and Influences: Collaboration and Respect
Several songs on Don’t Forget Your Roots are from bands H2O shares close ties with, like Rancid and Sick of It All. Covering friends’ songs can be a delicate undertaking. We asked if there was any apprehension about tackling songs by bands they knew personally, and if they were concerned about potential criticism from their peers.
Adam revealed a collaborative and respectful approach: “It was the opposite of frightening. We actively sought out the opinions and suggestions of these artists. Pretty much every band featured on the record heard our version of their song before it was finalized. In some cases, they even offered suggestions on things for us to try. It felt like a true collaboration. We made it clear that we were open to feedback, and if anyone had genuinely disliked our rendition of their song, we would have respected that and not released it.” This highlights the deep respect and camaraderie within the hardcore punk community, where honoring your friends’ work is paramount.
Toby Morse of H2O, vocalist, singing into microphone with band performing behind him.
“We experimented quite a bit with the Tribe Called Quest song, but we got stuck trying to decide between a fast punk version or a rap/rock hybrid, neither of which felt right for the song.”
Guest Vocals and Musical Diversity: Staying True to the Roots
H2O albums often feature guest vocalists. We noted the absence of guests on Don’t Forget Your Roots and inquired if this was a conscious decision. We also asked if they considered including covers from a broader musical spectrum, given their diverse musical tastes.
Adam explained the rationale: “Since it was an album of covers, the idea of guest vocalists didn’t feel quite right for this project. Regarding musical diversity, it was definitely discussed. Within the band, we appreciate a wide range of music, from Iron Maiden to Prince to U2, and these artists were even mentioned as possibilities. However, we ultimately decided to focus on bands that directly shaped our hardcore/punk rock sound. We did experiment quite a bit with the Tribe Called Quest song, but we got stuck trying to decide between a fast punk version or a rap/rock hybrid, neither of which felt right for the song. In the past, we’ve covered Ice Cube and Madonna, so we’re not afraid to acknowledge our diverse influences, but for this album, we wanted to keep it focused on our hardcore roots.”
Touring with Friends: Madball and Community
H2O embarked on a European tour with Madball. We asked about the decision to tour with Madball specifically, rather than showcasing newer bands.
Adam’s response emphasized the strong bonds within the scene: “Freddy from Madball asked us if we wanted to play Rebellion Fest, and Madball is one of our favorite bands to tour with, so it was an easy decision. It’s a really fun package for fans, and it’s always great to tour with friends.” He humorously added, “We’ll have to draw straws every night to see which band gets to play ‘Pride’ though…”
Setlist and the Live Experience: Balancing Covers and Originals
Fans were curious if the European tour setlist would be primarily covers from Don’t Forget Your Roots. We asked Adam about the planned setlist composition.
“Oh, the set will definitely include covers, for sure,” Adam confirmed, “but I don’t think we’ll ever do a full covers show. That’s getting a bit too close to karaoke territory! We’ll play a good mix of stuff. We’ve even brought back some songs from our first record that we haven’t played in 12 years recently, so those might make an appearance too.” This ensures fans get a blend of the new tribute album and the classic H2O sound they know and love.
Connecting with a New Generation: The Enduring Appeal of H2O
With Don’t Forget Your Roots, it seemed H2O was particularly resonating with a younger generation of hardcore fans who discovered them post-Nothing To Prove. The response to that album and subsequent shows was overwhelmingly positive. We asked if they anticipated such a resurgence after a period of relative inactivity, and what they attributed to their continued connection with younger audiences, especially when other veteran bands might not be reaching the same demographic.
Adam expressed genuine gratitude and a touch of humility: “We were really surprised and incredibly grateful for the response to Nothing To Prove. To come back after a long break and release something that people genuinely liked was an amazing feeling. As for why younger kids connect with us… honestly, I don’t know, but I’m incredibly happy that they do.” This enduring appeal speaks to the timeless quality of H2O’s music and their message of friendship, community, and staying true to your roots, both musically and personally.
