Albuquerque, New Mexico’s A Hawk and a Hacksaw made the trip to Cecil Sharpe House in North London on the 18th of June for a show on the back of their impressive new record Deliverance.
Support came in the way of an enjoyable solo acoustic set from Highlife, aka Sleepy Doug Shaw, who is also a member of the much underrated White Magic; an uplifting acoustic set and mumble core stage presence, Highlife’s powerful voice carried his buoyant tracks which had an distinctly African influenced tilt, and some vocals that emulated White Magic’s own Mira Billotteon on occasion.
A Hawk and a Hacksaw then took to the stage, led by Jeremy Barnes on accordion (formerly of Neutral Milk Hotel) and violinist Heather Trost (who sometimes picked up a Stroh violin), fleshed out with trumpet, tuba, and bouzouki or oboe. They delivered a folk sound with a heavy eastern European and Balkan influence, which felt even more prominent following their collaborations and tour with Hungary’s The Hun Hangar Ensemble in the last few years. As always, elements from the mariachi and klezmer traditions were also incorporated.
It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes A Hawk and a Hacksaw rise above their contemporaries, the neo-Balkan folk sound came surprisingly close to becoming a hipster trend in recent years, but somehow they manage to continue the traditional whilst constantly absorbing new elements throughout their travels and lifespan, ensuring nothing sounds stale or descends into mimicry. Perhaps it is their collaborations and work with musicians and veterans that are a part of this tradition that gives A Hawk and a Hacksaw more authenticity; or just better song writing. They are certainly a band consisting of technically outstanding players, very much evident tonight, performing an ebullient set despite the fact the crowd didn’t want to dance, seemingly content just to observe.
There were sound problems early on with the violin in particular, leading to Barnes declaring ‘Folk and electricity do not mix’, and after a referendum of sorts the band were more than happy to continue without electrical assistance on the floor in and amongst the crowd. They returned to stage later, perhaps not relishing it as much after being surrounded by the audience, with sound issues largely resolved and every level turned up. A hugely gratifying gig, invigorating the songs from Deliverance and previous efforts; now if only people could forget themselves and dance.
GE
