Emerging Artists: A Hawk and a Hacksaw
24/01/07 10:34
By SAM LADACH-BARK
There is something about the sounds of a violin and an
accordion that are so unforgettably sweet. But one would never think
these two instruments, along with a trumpet or two, to be the core of
any indie band. Until now. A Hawk and Hacksaw has just
released its third full-length LP, titled The Way the Wind Blows. It's found a happy medium between the erratic and the enchanting.
Originating from Albuquerque, New Mexico, their music is as fun and
bizarre to listen to as their home town's name is to say. Consisting
of Jeremy Barnes, formerly the drummer of Neutral Milk Hotel, and
violinist Heather Trost, these two multi-instrumentalists manage a lot
with just four arms and four legs. Barnes' primary instrument is the
accordion, but with his legs and head free (he actually attaches
drumsticks to his skull for live performances) he is able to provide
most of the percussion as well. This being his first non-
collaborative project, his eclectic personality shows through, and his
commitment to the project creates solidarity within the music. Trost
lends two helping hands on violin, and occasionally on the cello or
xylophone.
Earlier releases were not as easy on the ears as Wind
Blows, but they lay the groundwork for the eloquently beautiful accordion
amidst the erratic violin melodies. Most notably their sound
resembles the charm and boldness of Eastern European music. Closer to
home they resemble indie bands like Calexico, Beirut, and of course
Neutral Milk Hotel.
The emotive trumpets on "In the River" from Wind Blows
strikingly resemble the unforgettable aura of Neutral Milk, and the
somber trumpet intro to "Fernando's Giampari" evokes the spirit of
Beirut. Barnes and Trost have not in previous releases included intelligible
lyrics. But on Wind Blows, chants and cantatas add a new
layer to their music that's been lacking in the past. Most notably
the vocals shine through on "Song for Joseph" and "The Sparrow."
With their latest release I think Barnes and Trost have
stumbled onto something deliciously bizarre and at the same time
extremely fun. Where else can you find yourself tapping a toe and
perhaps shaking a rump to polka-esque tunes? While the current
underground scene bands walk a fine line between too generic and too
weird, A Hawk and Hacksaw have pleasantly found themselves somewhere
in the middle.
You can sample the band's music here.
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