Hammer No More the Fingers - Looking for Bruce - CD (2010)

Labels: Inhaler Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm

Hmm, well in the review of Hammer No More the Fingers single, I suggested that their album was probably a lot better than that particular song suggested. That is the case in parts, but generally Looking for Bruce falls between a couple of ill placed stalls. There are some really enjoyable moments that harken back to greats like Jawbox, but it kind of blows it somehow. The vocals don’t quite appeal to me and the music contrasts intriguing moments of bleaker post hardcore with less palatable, bubbly, poppy indie. You can definitely tell that J Robbins produced this – he has a signature sound, and HNMtF have certainly been touched by it. I’m just not exactly feeling things here. There are plenty of decent moments on show, and you could do worse if you’re on the look out for some slick and fairly inventive indie rock, it’s just not my bag the majority of the time.