Hypnolovewheel formed in 1986 in Long Island, New York. The group sound threaded together elements of psych, garage rock and power pop but essential a post-punk band in the left field mode that emerged in New York in the 80s. By the time the group split in around the mid-90s it left behind a body of work that was difficult to narrowly categorize but which made an impression on anyone that heard that music. A staple of college radio if you heard them you might think they were in the same realm of music as Flaming Lips, Archers of Loaf and Alice Donut though distinctly different from all of them. Pick out any of the band’s seven releases and you’ll find a record that should have been more well loved by the alternative music audience for its expert songcraft and willingness to experiment with lyrics not short on irony and humor. The classic lineup of the band included guitarists Dave Ramirez and Stephen Hunking with bassist Dan Cuddy and drummer Peter Walsh. All had been veterans of the local underground scene and the first three members of garage rock outfit Plastic Device.
In 2026 Hypnolovewheel is beginning to reissue all of its records since getting rights to their music back and beginning with the reissue of its career spanning compilation Parallel Universe. The tracks were selected by no other than James McNew of Yo La Tengo and remastered by Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks, Young Fresh Fellows). Originally released in a limited edition vinyl the record is now more widely available as of June 19. 2026. A quick listen to the compilation reveals that Hypnolovewheel was making the kind of noise pop music that would in the 21st century be called indie rock and precursors to that music.
Listen to our interview with bassist Dan Cuddy and follow Hypnolovewheel at the links below.
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