Biography
Alternative rock outfit hHead formed during 1991 while its core members attended college. Guitarist Noah Mintz and bassist Brendan Canning quickly bonded on campus before leaving their studies to focus on music full time. Mintz first entered an existing local group as vocalist and gradually replaced its personnel until Canning joined and the pair could select their own drummer. The group initially performed under the name Head, yet a visit to a nearby record shop disclosed another act already using that title, prompting Canning to insert the leading “h.” Drummer turnover remained constant, with successive players departing throughout the band’s existence. In 1993 the trio issued its debut album, Fireman, on an independent pressing. Canadian interest in the CD prompted I.R.S. Records to offer a five-album deal the following year. The musicians cut their sophomore release, Jerk, for the label and embarked on U.S. tours, yet the strategy eroded their domestic following while American crowds failed to embrace the band as anticipated. Meanwhile I.R.S. struggled financially; once new management arrived the group was deprioritized without realizing the label’s precarious state. After I.R.S. folded, hHead signed with the independent imprint Handsome Boy, which issued the trio’s third and last album, Ozzy, in 1996. Although drummer Jason Ray had finally stabilized the lineup, Mintz exited in December 1997 and Canning soon followed, formally ending the band’s run. What remained was an abbreviated career and a small but devoted audience that continued championing hHead online long after the split.
Albums
