HAMISH HAWK –  A FIRMER HAND

It’s difficult attempting to force something, no matter what medium it may fall under. You should either enjoy something or not, which brings me to A Firmer Hand (Fierce Panda), the third full-length offering from Scottish artist Hamish Hawk and it isn’t because he and his band aren’t well versed with their instruments, because they are, but musically this may not translate very well here. Don’t get me wrong though, Hawk has a way with words and there are a few standout tracks, but will the casual music listeners find it appealing?

Hawk’s deep voice coupled with his weighty words is alluring but there are moments when the music may seem, how should I put it, a bit passé, relegating it back to a world filled with edgy European rock of the 90s. Not throwing daggers at Hawk but some might agree with the assessment. But getting back to the moments that are filled with introspective lyricism and well placed chords, I’m forced to mention “Machiavelli’s Room.” The track is flawless, with piano notes repeated with a bassline to match. It’s throbbing drums are hypnotic while guitars occasionally enter the war room as Hawk’s words are mesmerizing. He’s descriptive, offering a clear look at his sexuality without being crude. Moments are suggestive without any vulgarity. This is beautifully done, both musically and lyrically.

One thing is for sure though, Hamish Hawk has a flare for the dramatic but as I mentioned, it may not be for everyone. “Big Cat Tattoos” sounds like it was made for Vegas lounges with a rhythm that doesn’t lure you in, instead just has you moving in a stop/start motion as you become a caricature of yourself. Its transitions are much too obvious and don’t provide anything very memorable. Hawk’s words are strong and well-balanced throughout, I just wish the music was composed differently. “Nancy Dearest” though rolls in with the strength of a freight train as that bottom end and those cleverly placed low notes create a night-fallen ambiance with maniacal guitar notes sputtering in and out, adding a sense of improv. But when he sings the chorus, “Dearest Nancy, dances past me,” his voice matches the energy of the music itself.

Now while I feel a bit more positive regarding the creepy movements of “Autobiography Of Spy,” when the song shifts at times, I’m hit with Rolling Stones vibes and hear Mick Jagger’s voice wailing “Oh everybody wait so long/Oh baby why you wait so long?” I’m certain it wasn’t purposeful but that one moment detracts and forces a Stones “Miss You” in my head. But you get the idea of where I’m going with all of this so far. There’s redemption with the album’s “The Hard Won,” driven by its guitar notes and somber piano which creates a landscape of dusty trails and death. Hawk’s words and vocal melody match the music’s dynamics as we share a moment here.

I can be honest here, A Firmer Hand is hit and miss on my end. When it hits, it’s out of the park and catapults Hawk above the rest but when it misses, the playing field is level once again. I can pull singles off the album but listening to it as a whole, it doesn’t work.