Hawk Eyes are from Leeds. They used to be called Chickenhawk. Now that we have got the tedious explaining out of the way let us get on to the matter of said band’s very excellent new EP “Mindhammers”.
This EP could not really have a more appropriate name. Hawk Eyes are many things, but subtlety is not usually one of their strong points, and they are all the better as a result. This band sets out with the very clear intention of making riffs to batter your brain into submission rather than lull you into a dreamy stupor. Opener “Crack another One” sets about this aim with no lack of vitriol and brash self-confidence. Hawk Eyes know that they are awesome at what they do and make no pretence otherwise. Like Therapy? at their very finest, this EP is all discordant riffing along a knife edge with vocals chucked in at angles to reinforce the point.
The title track, “Mindhammers”, is arguably the best thing on offer here. Only just sliding past the three minute mark, here Hawk Eyes can be seen at their most focused and most potent. The guitar work here is at its most deliriously brilliant and serrated. Things get a bit dark at times but then that could sum up this EP, and indeed Hawk Eyes whole career. This band may be determined to get up your noses with how furiously rocking they truly are, but that does not mean they should not be taken seriously as a band with songs that actually mean something.
Closer “Hidden Hound” sees things attempt to get a little more long-winded, although really the song would probably be just as effective if it was half its near seven minute running time. It is still a fine way to close “Mindhammers” off however. The only real question about this EP is why these tracks have not been saved back for the bands upcoming second full-length. If these tracks are not deemed top draw then when Hawk Eyes return soon it is going to be a fearsome occasion indeed.
The “Mindhammers” EP is out now via Brew Records. Hawk Eyes are currently on tour with Ginger Wildheart and Exit_International. That’s something you should probably go to even if you hate The Wildhearts…just saying.
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This EP could not really have a more appropriate name. Hawk Eyes are many things, but subtlety is not usually one of their strong points, and they are all the better as a result. This band sets out with the very clear intention of making riffs to batter your brain into submission rather than lull you into a dreamy stupor. Opener “Crack another One” sets about this aim with no lack of vitriol and brash self-confidence. Hawk Eyes know that they are awesome at what they do and make no pretence otherwise. Like Therapy? at their very finest, this EP is all discordant riffing along a knife edge with vocals chucked in at angles to reinforce the point.
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