Members of I See Hawks In L.A. Are Flying in New Directions

Although it could be considered an offshoot of that fine Americana band I See Hawks in L.A., Stoney Spring finds high-flying Hawks Anthony and Paul Lacques and Rob Waller, along with new recruits Jimi Hawes and Marc Doten, venturing into new and unexpected terrain.

On Don’t Let Me Die At Coco’s, Waller and the Lacques brothers are mostly forsaking their rootsy regimen for a bolder and more eclectic sound — a wonderfully adventurous mix of rock, experimental jazz, hints of rap and hip-hop, and other styles that simply defy everyday descriptions. It’s rare to find such well-established musicians daring to challenge the norm, but with Stoney Spring, they’ve done just that, and the results are as creative as they are compelling.

As an example, “Shameless Hippie Sex Party” may seem like a provocative title, but its lyrics describe the universal  nature of a God common to all religions. Not surprisingly, it’s pretty heady stuff. Both thematically and melodically, the entire album follows suit.

Whether it’s the dark doomsday vocals that accompany”Soul Song for Deaf Boy” and “A New Way,” the free-form, semi-Eastern motif that informs “Come, Gods,” or the native American chant that intrudes on the culmination of “I Wanna Bruise Ya (With the Stain of Babylon).” As ominous and foreboding as it often appears, Don’t Let Me Die At Coco’s may require multiple hearings to fully grasp its dense textures and complex modalities.

The disc is a daring excursion into otherworldly arenas, and seems to take a hint from Terry Riley, Anthony Braxton, Miles Davis, and other masters of the avant-garde. At the same time, it retains enough tension and tenacity to keep I See Hawks’ fans fascinated. Granted, the chop-chop rhythms and discordant melodies may seem alien at first, but anyone who appreciates the darker side of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, and Nick Cave ought to enjoy this effort as well.

“Put your hands on the speakers,” the band chants at one point, and for good reason. Hang on for the ride and your faith will be fulfilled.