Kintsugi focuses on mending broken pottery, rather than hiding or disguising the damage.
The story of Troubled Hubble didn’t end with their final show in 2005. While the initial breakup marked the close of a significant chapter, the band’s music continued to resonate, and the members remained active in the music world, albeit on different paths.
Chris Otepka, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, had already established his solo project, The Heligoats, in 1999. Following Troubled Hubble’s disbandment, The Heligoats became his primary focus, allowing him to further explore his unique songwriting voice, known for its intricate lyrics and acoustic-driven sound. The Heligoats have since built their own dedicated following and continue to release music and tour. Interestingly, Troubled Hubble and The Heligoats performed at Treefort Music Fest in 2025, highlighting their continued presence in the indie scene alongside each other.
Meanwhile, the Lanthrum brothers, Nate (drums/guitar) and Andrew (bass), continued their musical collaboration by forming a new band called Kid, You’ll Move Mountains in 2006. This project allowed them to explore different musical avenues while maintaining the creative partnership they had forged in Troubled Hubble.
Though Josh Miller, the guitarist, appears to have moved into a different career path, the continued musical endeavors of Otepka and the Lanthrum brothers demonstrated the deep-seated creative drive within the core of Troubled Hubble.
The enduring appeal of Troubled Hubble’s music was evident in the decade following their breakup. Their discography remained available on streaming platforms, allowing longtime fans to reconnect and new listeners to discover their quirky charm. Their robust digital footprint, including their official website and Bandcamp page, kept their music accessible.
Then, in June 2015, came the news many fans had hoped for: Troubled Hubble announced their reunion. They played an unforgettable set at The Subterranean. I caught up with them in January of 2017 at Beat Kitchen in Chicago, and captured the following YouTube video footage.
This performance signaled not just a nostalgic look back, but a re-engagement with playing music together.
Since their reunion, Troubled Hubble has selectively returned to performing, confirming that the spark is still alive. Their performance at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise, ID, in March 2025, is a clear indication that the band is actively moving forward and continues to connect with contemporary indie music audiences.
While they may not have achieved massive mainstream success, Troubled Hubble left a discernible mark on the indie rock scene through their tireless touring, unique sound, and the strong connection they forged with their audience. Their legacy is one of authenticity, creativity, and perseverance.
As Troubled Hubble continues their journey in this new chapter, there’s a special moment on the horizon for both longtime devotees and those just discovering their music. The 2025 reissue of their impactful album, “Making Beds in a Burning House,” is slated for release this May, from Foreign Leisure providing a fantastic opportunity to celebrate a key piece of their history and appreciate the enduring power of a band that continues to make music on their own terms.
Broken Prism Studios 