Format: Album
Label: Fierce Panda
Release Date: 26/03/12
Towards the end of 2010, Leeds four piece Chickenhawk seemed to be in a happy position. Tours with big names such as Cancer Bats and Alexisonfire and appearances at major festivals were good signs that they were heading in the right direction. Until March last year that is, when all of a sudden they decided to adopt a new identity and call themselves Hawk Eyes. Although the band have never really given any explanation for this change, such details now seem superfluous with the release of their latest monster of a record, “Ideas”.
It’s fair to say there’s not that much difference in tone from the last Chickenhawk album “Modern Bodies”, although their current album is marginally more “accessible”, however ludicrous that may seem for a band of their ilk. There’s no shortage of riffs on this one, that’s for sure, but the best thing here is they successfully combine some of the most distinctive elements of great modern rock. Take for example the filthy, raw guitar work of Queens of The Stone Age that is replicated in opener “Witch Hunt” and “Yes Have Some”. Then there’s the heavy, technical virtuosity of Dillinger Escape Plan demonstrated superbly in “Hollywood Sweatshop” and “Milk Hog”. As if that weren’t enough, there are traces of Refused’s furious and visceral hardcore outpourings in “You Deserve A Medal” and “The Meeting”. The culmination comes with the closing track “Bees”, where all these influences meld into a seven minute rager to create a superb standout track.
For want of a better word, this album is vicious and could have fatal consequences for the more timorous! It would certainly be foolish not to feature this in any of the end of year lists compiled by the rock/metal world. Hawk Eyes provide an experience like no other, and who knows if the next record will see them come up with yet another name change. Chickenhawkeyes, anyone?
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Album Rating: 9/10 |
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FFO: Queens Of The Stone Age, Dillinger Escape Plan, Refused |
