We’ve reviewed Hamish Hawk three times in the last couple of years, so our words of praise may be well worn. Our limited vocabulary and lack of thesaurus will mean some repetition of superlatives and praise, which is something you cannot accuse Hamish of ever doing!
Last Saturday, February 15th, a sold-out Thekla danced in glee and joined in with the crowd interplay from the stage and positively rocked at times. No one would have left feeling underwhelmed, this was an artist at the top of their game. Let’s see if we can articulate what it is that makes Hamish Hawk a regular in the pages of One Big House.
There is verbal dexterity, word play, and succinct phrases present in all the songs. Sometimes they sound personal and honest and sometimes anecdotal, but they all relate to life, and all portray a well read and articulate songwriter. Take the song ‘Questionable Hit’ from recent LP ‘A Firmer Hand’, a monologue that weaves and turns through many personal threads and issues. OK, it may not be your life, but it’s a song about somebody’s life.
Frequently we feel the songs suggest a theatrical upbringing. The ability to tell a story or paint a picture is clearly built into this songwriting. Listen to the pictures painted in words in songs like ‘Bridget St John’ from the LP ‘Angel Numbers’.
Our journey with Hamish started with a radio play of ‘Mauritian Badminton Doubles Champion 1973’ back in 2021 and then was quickly followed by a gig at the Lanes and a purchase of the LP ‘Heavy Elevator’ on Bandcamp. And to be honest it’s been pretty much an understated love ever since, with our down to earth sensibilities preventing us from saying hello when we’ve had the chance. Our appreciation cannot be overstated and so we now await a promised return to Bristol and some new songs, a wait we know Hamish Hawk will deliver.
One Big House 