H. Hawkline - A Cup of Salt (Album Review for The MMP)

Words originally for The Miniature Music Press, and can be found in December's edition of the magazine.

In his many years, Cardiff-based musician Huw Evans (H. Hawkline) has played with the likes of Richard James, Sweet Baboo, and Cate Le Bon. Largely unnoticed by the masses, this looks likely to change soon; touring with Gruff Rhys, support slots for label (Shape Records) mate’s Islet, and the release of this, his wonderful debut album. Huw has numerous sides; demonstrated both during his live performances and here – songs ranging throughout krautrock-influenced and psychy pop/rock to weird and spooky instrumental folk. For instance, opener An Old Lady Sings/Pentecostal is (after one-minute of old lady singing introdudction) three minutes of looping noise, walking bass-line, fuzzed guitar, and driving motorik drum beat; and From Her Eyes goes from menacing piano keys to Eastern/gypsy-sounding guitar and banjo work to unusually chanted vocals. Incredibly well layered and well crafted is each song on show. If A Cup of Salt doesn’t bring him widespread adoration then the masses are rubbish.

4.3/5