Hawk Eyes - Ideas
The band formally known as Chickenhawk was a stomping monster that dragged their scuzzy hardcore sound around the country's venues with some fun support slots along the way. Rebooted up at the end of last year under a new format known as Hawk Eyes, the sleazy side is still being lovingly embraced by the Leeds quartet, but now they have evolved into more of a straight up and grittier version of themselves. The outcome of this metamorphosis has finally spawned the new album Ideas.
Distinctly British with their influences but also nodding towards the other side of the pond as well, the Killing Joke-style venom and vitriol is spat out with ferocity by vocalist and guitarist Paul Astick and the brash swagger of The Wildhearts tears straight through to the ear drums. Whilst the sardonic and dark edge of Faith No More rears its ugly head in the likes of Yes, Have Some and Skyspinners. Milk Hog is off the wall in its approach and up in your face with some ugly math-metal combinations being telegraphed to the body.
The riffage throughout the record is pure class and somehow at the same time remains bludgeoning, making it one dizzying affair in excess. The underlying melodies create a strong and steady back bone, giving this album such strong direction and conviction. Each track is like a sledgehammer shot to the head with a bottle of moon shine lacing the blow and yet the delivery is refined and to the point. If Lucifer was to have a party this would be its soundtrack dragging everyone down to hell with him.
An impressive release, Ideas is like a tornado ripping through a chicken shack in its chaotic attitude. These four upstarts have made a strong contender for one the top albums of the year here for sure. Be warned this band will be blowing up arenas very soon; miss them at your peril.