RedHawks Prove that Wisconsin Can Flat-Out Rock and Roll
Sad Songs Keep the Devil Away
Posted On July 13, 2015
It doesn’t at all outshine the quality of the music on the record, but the RedHawks’ cover art and band logo are about as cool they come in both simplicity and provocation. Not too shabby in its own right is their latest self-titled full-length album. The band has been together for the better part of eight years, is rawly refined, polished, yet loose. RedHawks is a diamond that cuts glass. The band is a working man’s psych-folk outfit, equal parts Drive-By Truckers dual-guitar attack and spacey My Morning Jacket explorations, with heaping helpings of vintage American rock and roll. The band is Freddie Haas and Tate Sampson’s guitars, Jessica Voruda’s keys, Adam Bohnsack’s bass, and Thomas Bishop’s drums. Haas also acts as chief song scribe.
The Appleton, Wisconsin-based quintet created an eclectic hash of music on this effort. Possibly leaning a bit more poppy at times, the RedHawks right the ship with raucous power pop numbers like “CN108-12”, then rally to the meat of the triple punch combination before changing tempo on the second half of the record. They flex with gems like “Lost By Design,” the jazzy bounce of “Truth,” and the hearty build of “Shiny Things.” Haas’ vocals ride the low melodies and come across earthy if not downright salt of the earth. His non-descript cracks and pitch changes play like an extra instrument, only not self-indulgent. But most notable of all: guitars! This is a solid rock record that will grow on you exponentially from first encounter. Still, there’s plenty of room for them to grow as a band and a sound.
We’re definitely looking forward to their next effort that will be produced by ‘ssktda’ alumni Christopher Gold, who himself has a tasty new record out. RedHawks have a pair of shows lined up for this weekend in the Appleton area for you Packer fans.
On that note, I’m honored to premiere a song I’ve not been able to get out of my head for a couple months, in both message and music. I’m picking up what you’re puttin’ down on this one here, Mr. Haas. Get a copy of the record and help support real music and the people doing it. Someone try to top that logo…(+words: sz+)
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