Artist: A Hawk and a Hacksaw Album: A Hawk and a Hacksaw

Year: 2003
Duration: 0:0-1

A of A Hawk and a Hacksaw: An Innovative Album in a Unique Genre

A Hawk and a Hacksaw is a self-titled 2002 album by the music artist A Hawk and a Hacksaw. This album is one-of-a-kind, with its blend of folk, gypsy, Balkan, and other Eastern European styles of music. If you enjoy exploring music of different cultures, this album is the perfect choice for you. In this post, we will take a critical look at this album, its history, genre, best songs, and most innovative parts. So, let's dive in!
To understand A Hawk and a Hacksaw fully, we need to know a little bit about the history of AHAAH. Jeremy Barnes, ex-drummer of the renowned indie-rock band Neutral Milk Hotel, founded A Hawk and a Hacksaw in 2002 with Heather Trost, a New Mexico-based violinist. The band's music is said to originate from the fact that Barnes began experimenting with an Eastern European-based sound around the time he finished touring with Neutral Milk Hotel. The results of his experiments were brought to life in this self-titled album.
Now, let's talk about the genre of this album. A Hawk and a Hacksaw features a blend of styles from Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries. Its unique sound can be attributed to the use of uncommon instruments such as the accordion, cimbalom, and balalaika. The album features long instrumentals interspersed with shorter songs. It's worth mentioning that there are no lyrics in the instrumentals, and the shorter songs are sparse with lyrics.
The album's best songs, in my opinion, are Turkish March, Europa, and Waltz for Strings and Tuba. Turkish March is an impressive instrumental featuring the accordion and cimbalom, which take turns leading the melody. Europa features a more laid-back rhythm and adds a touch of jazz, making it captivating yet soothing to listen to. Waltz for Strings and Tuba is a piece featuring a full orchestra, displaying the artist's ability to blend classical and folk music.
The most innovative parts of this album are undoubtedly the experimental soundscapes. A few tracks feature artists making background noise with different instruments, slowly building a rich and cinematic atmosphere. Additionally, Barnes' ability to blend traditional American music with Eastern European styles shines through in tracks like Lassú and Romceasca.
Critically speaking, this album is one of the most innovative and unique of its kind. However, critics also speculated that the album's esoteric sound might be off-putting to some listeners. It's important to remember that this album is not for everyone and might not suit someone's musical preferences.
In conclusion, A Hawk and a Hacksaw is an album that showcases the versatility and creativity of A Hawk and a Hacksaw. Its blend of Eastern European folk styles with American music creates a unique and experimental soundscape. While some critics might argue that this album's sound might not be suitable for all ears, those who enjoy exploring new sounds will find this album a masterpiece. If you're looking for something different and unique, consider checking out A Hawk and a Hacksaw by A Hawk and a Hacksaw.