Manny King John
Brother Hawk might get you open.
F
irst things first, I am very honored and thankful to review Brother Hawk’s latest LP, “Big Medicine.” Some people would call the Atlanta-based band’s sound “Southern Rock.” I hear it a little. However, I disagree. I wouldn’t compare them to Lynyrd Skynyrd or Credence.
I pressed play, but not before looking at the amazing album artwork by John Henry Gloyne. He is a super-talent visual artist. Suddenly, the music starts and “Have Love Will Travel” plays. What a great way to start off. It takes you on a cradle-to-grave journey of looking for love, hoping for love, finding it, and (like all great modern love stories) losing that love. The vocals and instrumentation are astounding and penetrate the heart and the soul.
Half Empty,” the second track, is a song of heartache, hard times and love lost but there’s an upside. As time passes, you realize that you’ve stressed over a little thing. As the days and weeks go by, you grow older, stronger and wiser. I related to this song so much. “At Long Last” brings you full circle because it is about finding the balance. “Midnight In Tifton” follows with a coming-of-age message. The harmonica work by Joe Brisendine is ill. The next joint is a beauty. I won’t say much except that there is a reason it shares album title.
“No Room To Rust” continues to explore the album’s theme. It is about a strong fading love. It’s a real tear-jerker to the people out there who believe in this thing called “love.”
As the album comes to the end with tracks “Haywood Heartache” and “Scarlett,” I find myself in a ball of emotions in the greatest way possible. It is easily one of the purest albums I have listened to in a while. It features relatable songwriting and is backed by a skillful band.
“Big Medicine” is an album you can drive to, cry to, or bump at a bonfire. Don’t sleep on this album, people. Brother Hawk might get you open.
