Driving the Nail Through the Uprights

Written by: Jimmy Wah | Sense Music Media

The first time I came into contact with HAMMERS was at The Metro Theatre, Sydney when they supported THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT for their Unbroken Tour this time last year. It was one of those moments where I felt my arms immediately lift my camera like an automated reflex that was out of my control. How had I never seen these guys before? Before I could answer that question I realised that it wasn’t just my arms out of my control but my whole body. I wanted to jump around like a fish out of water… and maybe that’s where Fish, their lead singer got his name. He brought the kind of energy to the stage that I remember feeling when EZEKIEL OX transformed The Manning Bar into his playground 11 years ago; I was transfixed. There’s nothing quite like a grown man with a grizzly complexion shouting his convictions at the audience with a strangely orchestrated, harmonious Aussie tone that connects you with the music.

As for the music… Woah. Killer riffs and massive grooves that make you bang your head with such ease that you don’t want the songs to end. The familiar face of the guitarist was none other than that of Lucas Stone (Stoney), from the all-powerful heavy progressive post-rock/metal band HELM. Keeping pace with the ridiculous ease of his powerful riffs, was Ricky Thunder on bass; whose playing not only lived up to his name but also set the foundation for a massive drum sound by Ruckus. These guys made outrageous talent seem as easy as vegemite at room temperature.

So after that brief introduction I should probably let you know that these guys hail from the Northern Rivers of NSW extending up to the sunny Gold Coast of Queensland… but like an unexpected speed camera on a 10 hour road trip, I probably can’t prepare you for what you’ll experience listening to this unique brand of Aussie rock. So strap yourself in, or else you might end up looking like an unhooked Fish in a car crash.

EP Review - Kicking Goals

Track #1 - Suze

The EP opens like a HAMMER.

‘C’mon ladies raise your guns and stake your claim to power,
cos it’s crazy that you’d ever need one with all those blokes around ya.’

This song has pace, energy and hooking riffs; with a flow that makes you want to keep jumping. Despite the rough, salty pinch of Fish’s controversial lyrics and harsh vocals, it’s the compassionate modesty of the every-man’s call to adversity that makes it strangely relatable and motivating.

The music maintains its charged energy from start to finish while being peppered with flavour that makes you want it to keep going. From the subtle breakdowns and shifting riffs to the distinct guitar solos and powerful beats, it has the instrumental layers that define this EP.

Track #2 - Silly Sausage

This song fucking rocks.

The ascending volume and pace of the intro has well defined riffs that explode into a heavy groove with the bass and drums. Then it feels like opening up the throttle on a highway and never slowing down.

The distinctive vocals ride along with the groove only changing gears to tell the story of a failed robbery attempt. The lyrical delivery maintain the Aussie humour HAMMERS are know for, with the honest morality of the backyard lawyer warning us to be careful of the seeds we sow.

Like a good QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE tune, this song will have you rocking from woe to go.

Track #3 - Cracker Night

Opening with explosive riffage and drums that lead into the characteristic looseness of a talented rock ensemble having a good time, this track will keep you moving. Fish’s vocals soar over the music to describe Cracker Night in all it’s glory (a long held Aussie tradition that ended in 1986), while his spoken word cuts through the music to tell the story of a heroic backyard party trick gone wrong.

With over 5 minutes of bonus material, the film clip puts a stamp on HAMMERS’ brand of comedy. The music is coupled with a beautifully shot montage of live footage, giving you a real sense of the atmosphere. You might even spot yourself in there somewhere… I did.

Track #4 - When Kings Collide

Another song that starts with big riffs and massive tone, I don’t think I could ever grow tired of Stoney’s guitar speaking to me. Ruckus’ drums and Rick’s bass have that awesome effect of accentuating the momentum which carries the music forward.

The song seems to be a courageous call to battle on the footy field. Once again, Fish’s lyrics speak words of unity as he shows off his vocal range and ability through the heavy pace of music. The momentum doesn’t stop from start to finish where the heavy breakdowns roll off one another with an enormous groove you won’t want to end.

Track #5 - Guilty Pleasures

This playful track was the first single release and it’s easy to see why. Probably the most instrumentally dynamic song on the EP; it moves from up beat, clean guitars to heavy doom-metal flavoured grooves that were characteristic of HELM (who I loved).

It shows off the skills of each of the musicians with hard hitting drums, poppy riffs, controlled and chaotic vocals. This all speaks to the sentiment of the lyrics, describing a man’s loss of logic and control in the presence of a good looking woman.

The hilarious film clip is filled with great acting, silly clothes (or lack thereof), crazy antics and awesome camera techniques. Be sure to take a look!

Track #6 - Last Breath

Last Breath is a short, heartfelt track to end the EP. The instrumental absence is magnified by the anthemic simplicity of the stomp-clap beat reminiscent of QUEEN.

The lyrics, however, give that sound a whole new meaning:

‘Take care of these brittle bones I own…
I’ve grown so tired of this world, it’s time to take me home’

The words are deeply relatable and strip back the layers to show the vulnerability of the individual in a way that Fish is so awesome at doing with his vocals.

Enhanced by the cinematic monotone peal that augments the soundscape in the background, this chilling concession to mortality acts as a cadence to make sense of the chaotic musical journey we just experienced.

The Verdict

This EP is a brilliant display of the range of awesome talent behind a group of fun-loving blokes who create a world of massive sounds and infectious grooves. The production quality is a testament to the wizardry of Forrester Savell (COG, DEAD LETTER CIRCUS, KARNIVOOL, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, TWELVE FOOT NINJA and many, many more). It pays necessary tribute to each of the band members and the group as a whole.

Kicking Goals is a very fitting title. They definitely hit the mark with this one.

WARNING: The more you listen, the more addicted you become.

8/10

Download

Kicking Goals will be available across all streaming services and digital download from Apple Music on Friday 21 August 2020

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