Review by: Oli Saunders
In this third instalment of Mon Oeil reviews I have an EP from Hawkes. Described by the label as post hardcore similar to Sinaloa, Shotmaker and 400 Years, this is more good quality melodic emo from Quebec. I would actually describe them as a slower and less frantic version of Torches To Rome, the vocals in particular are very reminiscent. The music grooves away quite gently but with passion and I find myself bobbing my head up and down. The vocals are in English rather than French, which really makes the music fit in pretty well with the whole 90s emo scene. I understand the labels description of it as post hardcore as there are elements of this in places which don’t really seem emo.
The first two tracks ‘Clarity Is Failed’ and ‘We Know We’re lost’ are both really solid, I have a love / hate relationship with the third track ‘Fleeting Memories’ as I really like some aspects of it but there is too much hand clapping and use of gang vocals in at the start and chorus for my liking. In between this though are some amazing verses. The final track ‘Ghost Of Our Past’ is a stunning end to the EP, I see the Sinaloa references here – this is probably my favourite song. Spoken vocals in places, the chorus involves all members joining in on vocals and shouting “pick yourself up, no need to fall”. This is repeated a lot throughout the second half of the track and is pretty effective.
Seriously, if you like 90s emo you should check this band out.
8th August 2009