Hawkeyes - Ideas Album Review
This album shows that a name-change and a slight alteration in their sound hasn’t hindered this band in any way.
rating: 4
I was lucky enough to stumble across these guys a few years back when I happened to, in the spur-of-the-moment, catch them in a gig. They were then known as Chickenhawk and were the opening band. I cant remember now who else was playing, thats what drink does for you, but what I do remember is that Chickenhawk blew me away with their DIY, abrasive take on hardcore/punk. Only a handful of people were watching them but that didnt seem to phase the band at all, they played as if their lives depended on it and made for an awesome atmosphere that only good, talented hardcore bands can manage to create. They made such an impression that I went and bought their album Modern Bodies, and this only added to the effect they first had on me: I knew Id come across a band who Id keep listening to again and again. However, vocalist Paul Astick was advised to stop screaming his lungs out by a doctor not long after I seen the band live. Either that, or calm down. If he didnt, hed be doing unspeakable damage to his throat. So, Paul did calm down. Sort of. The tail end of 2011 saw the band rename themselves Hawk Eyes; a slightly mellower yet still chaotic sound ensued, and so did the plaudits. A nomination for Best Hard Rock Act at the Artrocker Awards and tours with fellow noise merchants Turbowolf, The James Cleaver Quintet and Ginger Wildheart. Also, a release of the aptly named Mindhammers EP: 5 tracks of cruel melodies, effervescent riffs all done with OCD-like precision, which brought forth comparisons with Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Alice In Chains and Faith No More. It seemed that the name-change and the slight change of sound had worked in the bands favour. No-one was complaining, unless those cool kids were who preferred them before they got big were. Any complaints certainly slipped under my radar. Its kind of weird to say that this is Hawk Eyes debut album, as the line-up is exactly the same as it was when they were known as Chickenhawk. But, thats what it is. A debut album. The line-up may be the same, but theres a different sound going on: a sound which is sleek, contemporary, hardcore, post-everything yet is still enormous, roguish and the band still love to sneak a nasty little riff in here and there. The band has said that: The process of recording was intense and at times it felt like we wouldnt come through it in one piece. Its a collection of stories about Disappointment, Adversity, Suspicion, Pride, False Idols, Broken Promises, and Partying. Its not a negative album, its pragmatic. Basically, were all going down together, and we love to party! Sounds like an album that is going to be one hell of a listen. Lets do some exploring. Headstrung, has chaotic, angular guitars which dive in and dip out behind Asticks noticeably controlled vocals. Not controlled as in theyre robotic, controlled as in theyre well-structured and add just the right melodic feel to juxtapose the marauding guitars. The drums crash and smash their way through the track, adding that element of hardcore and disorder that the band bring to the table. The ending of the track is what makes this track a particular highlight, though, as youre led into thinking its going to be an instrumental finish until a filthy sounding guitar bursts in and Asticks vocals end the song on a note which shows the bands obvious love of self-styled punk/hardcore brimming to the edges. Hollywood Sweatshop explodes into life from the beginning with chaotic, technical guitars and frantic drumming. This wall of noise soon fades away, though, and a dirty, fuzzy bass-line replaces it. Asticks drawn-out vocals change quickly to snappy shouts/screams and then melodic singing which are aided by the rhythmical, skilled drumming of Matt Reid for an almost hypnotic effect. You dont know where the songs going to go next, and thats what makes you keep listening. Its perhaps the most uncompromising track on the album. Milk Hog is my favourite track. Asticks angry, in-your-face vocals reminded me of the best of Chickenhawk and the doomy/stoner/tech/prog guitars will go down a treat with fans of hardcore bands such as Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Chariot. Id love to see this track performed live, as listening to it is enough to imagine the band going absolutely mental and the crowd reciprocating with aplomb. This track reminded me of why I liked the band so much in the first place and is one that will definitely be a favourite with the fans who like their music heavy. Bees is the final track and its full of angular, dirty riffs as well as a neatly played solo; well-structured, measured drums; a solid, pounding bass-line and the vocals of Astick range from cleanly sung, to manically screamed, to almost plain spoken-word. The song ends on a drawn-out, atmospheric ending that engulfs the listener in its soothing melody as much as the other tracks, like Milk Hog, swallowed the listener up in its straight-up fury. A great track to finish off the album. This album shows that a name-change and a slight alteration in their sound hasnt hindered this band in any way. If anything, Hawk Eyes is a project that looks certain to overtake the progress Chickenhawk made. I just cant wait to catch them on tour again.