HAMISH HAWK
A Firmer Hand
(So Recordings)
Way back when Hamish Hawk announced the forthcoming release of A Firmer Hand, the quote that piqued my interest was “Writing this album, I opened up my closet, and a skeleton came out…” let us then entwine those boney fingers with our own, and dance into that uncomfortable darkness, which might prove divisive for those hoping for an album that picks up where 'Angel Numbers' left off.
No less verbose, A Firmer Hand drops the pomp, and amplifies the circumstance, whilst the tracks are still florid - it’s very much not in the baroque floral sense. The album is laden with stories that are no less compelling from the stripped back approach to their writing. A refreshing immediacy greets you as a listener, a heavier sound and a lyrical honesty that might initially feel uncomfortable but all too quickly pulls you closer and holds you tightly in its grip. I’ve seen references to ‘This is Hardcore’ bandied around, and if that's in reference to the lack of lyrical ambiguity then yes, there is a similarity - asides that, I can’t in good conscience make that comparison, this is an entirely different feeling album.
With loquacious eloquence these tales are told over the backdrop of a band who perform tightly and the production is impeccable. The pauses and musical punctuation are what have made Hamish Hawk one of the more compelling acts around today - and that remains the case even in an altered soundscape. Does A Firmer Hand take a risk by taking a leap out of that baroque-esque comfort zone? Absolutely, but by the time you’ve reached Big Cat Tattoos the payoff is more than worth it. This is an album that the more you listen, the more layers you’ll hear - it’s an exceptionally rewarding listen, the singles already released should have paved the way for what is to come.
I’m firmly of the opinion that this is an album that needs to be heard in its entirety but if you’re strapped for time, seek out Machiavelli's Room, You Can Film Me and the exquisite Questionable Hit.
Hamish Hawk Remaining 2024 Tour Dates
AUG 16 BRISTOL, Rough Trade (instore)
AUG 17 LONDON, Rough Trade East (instore)
AUG 18 NOTTINGHAM, Rough Trade (instore)
AUG 19 LIVERPOOL, Rough Trade (instore)
AUG 20 OXFORD, Truck at The Jericho Tavern (outstore)
AUG 21 SOUTHAMPTON, Vinilo (instore) afternoon
AUG 21 PORTSMOUTH, Pie and Vinyl at The Brewery (outstore) evening
AUG 22 BRIGHTON, RESIDENT (instore)
AUG 23 KETTERING, Green Belt Festival
AUG 24 BIRKENHEAD, Future Now Weekender
AUG 26 AMSTERDAM, Paradiso (w/ Travis)
AUG 28 BARCELONA, Razzmatazz (w/ Travis)
AUG 29 MADRID, La Riviera (w/ Travis)
AUG 31 BERN, Bierhubeli (w/ Travis)
SEP 1 PARIS, Le Trianon (w/ Travis)
SEP 3 COLOGNE, Live Music Hall (w/ Travis)
SEP 4 BERLIN, Huxleys Neue Welt (w/ Travis)
SEP 5 HAMBURG, Docks (w/ Travis)
SEP 23 GLASGOW, Assai at St Lukes (outstore)
SEP 24 EDINBURGH , Assai at Liquid Rooms (outstore)
SEP 25 ABERDEEN , Assai at Tunnels (outstore)
OCT 19 CARDIFF, Swn Festival
DEC 5 LEEDS, O2 Academy (w/ Travis)
DEC 6 MANCHESTER, Albert Hall (w/ Travis)
DEC 8 LIVERPOOL , Olympia (w/ Travis)
DEC 9 WOLVERHAMPTON , The Halls (w/ Travis)
DEC 10 NOTTINGHAM, Rock City (w/ Travis)
DEC 11 MARGATE, Dreamland (w/ Travis)
DEC 13 LONDON, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Travis)
DEC 14 LONDON, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Travis) Tickets
DEC 15 BRISTOL, Beacon (w/ Travis) Tickets
DEC 17 EASTBOURNE, Winter Gardens (w/ Travis) Tickets
DEC 18 SHEFFIELD, Octagon (w/ Travis) Tickets
DEC 19 NEWCASTLE, O2 City Hall (w/ Travis) Tickets
DEC 21 GLASGOW, Ovo Hydro (w/ Travis) Tickets
