The Uncarved Block

"Deadlands" EP Review

 

Released: 26/11/20 - Review Date: 22/03/21

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After a number of excellent single releases, HAWXX have gathered together four tracks for their first EP. "Deadlands" is both the title and also the first track: brilliant, heavy drumming (by Jessica Dann), screaming angular guitars (courtesy of the dual attack from Anna Papadimitriou and Hannah Staphnill), and deep, punching bass guitar (by Iman Ahmed) are the armour behind Anna's powerful vocals during the verse. The contrasting chorus is gritty and angst-driven, whilst the solo section segues into an angelic break that slowly builds back up, into yet another edgy solo and a deep, howling scream that brings it all to a sudden end.

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This leads swiftly into "Blunt" where Iman's bass growls menacingly at you, as the power chords crunch your bones and the drums fire stuttering beats at your soul. This dynamic interplay between drums and guitars heightens the tension and the song crawls along, dark and twisted, with vocal moments that just pop out at you. The choral harmonies towards the end whip you into a frenzy, as desperation and emotion exude from every pore.

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"Low" is one of those songs that sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it (just check out their live studio video, here). It begins with clean guitars and Anna's vocals before the distortion-heavy bass and drums burst in, and the song explodes into a soaring chorus accompanied by an epic riff. The vocal harmonies are mesmerising, with Hannah and Iman joining Anna, whilst the melody flows effortlessly into the verse again. The bass gets so low in register that smacks you deep in the chest, and more well structured dynamics makes this a stand-out song for me - one that I listen to again and again!

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The heavy, over-driven intro to"Dogma" crashes through the speakers, offering yet more fierce drumming, fast-paced double-bass pedal-work, power-chord metal riffs and guttural bass-lines. The vocals are understandably given pride of place in this song about self confidence and taking control - a modern cautionary tale about not letting the dogma of society dictate how we live our lives. This sums up much of what HAWXX's lyrics are about: songs of protest, highlighting social frustrations, and promoting self empowerment. This should be embraced as an anthem for the younger generation.

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Epic production quality combined with the ease in which the instruments flow together make these four tracks sound massive, with a serious vocal message not to be scorned. Having seen the band live on a few occasions, I can guarantee that their stage sound is replicated well on this EP; nothing is lost in translation - a truly epic achievement. They have been featured in many mainstream publications over the last year or so, and are destined for greater things.

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Behold the mighty HAWXX!

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Andy

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