[review]
Hawk Eyes have very good credentials, with a respected discography and support from the likes of Radio 1, Kerrang and Q Magazine plus appearances at iconic festivals. Hailing from Leeds, this genre-spanning band knows how to combine the heavy end of the spectrum with invention. This new 12-track album (to be released 9th, February 2015), “Everything Is Fine”, is a fizzing ball of energy. Support slots for System of a Down and Iron Maiden must have helped their reputation, and this upcoming release will surely boost them further.
Stretching that rubber band, they know just when to break from repetition – it’s all about build and release, build and release, and the vocalist adapts well to different levels of heaviness. Rock, metal, and punk drive relentless walls of sound, but differently styled vocals keep it fresh.
“Die Trying” is the obvious single. Apparently, vocalist and songwriter, Paul Astick was inspired to write it after a visit to the dramatic seascape of Spurn Point. It’s an insistently catchy hard rock track that gets under your skin. Beginnings of songs are imaginatively niche-busting, as on “The Trap”, which is quiet and meditative before the heavy metal guitar kicks in. This one has a hook-you-in tune and clear harmonies. If you want nice and heavy, “The Ambassador” delivers a vocal with an air of desperation, immersed in a wash of guitars, whilst “Permission” has terrific energy, thrashy guitar and punky verses.
This band is certainly not short of ideas, although some songs are a deal more memorable than others. Even jangly psychedelic rock gets a look-in – on final track, “TFF”. Great rock guitar and drumming are present throughout on this album and overlapping vocal harmonies are part of a varied mix. Of course, hard-hitting rock doesn’t get any better than seeing a band live. About to embark on a UK tour in February to promote the album, the itinerary includes such cult venues as Leeds Brudenell Social Club and Newcastle Cluny. No doubt, they will perform “Everything Is Fine” loud and proud, keeping rock’s flame burning brightly.
Top tracks by Hawk Eyes:
