Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Hammock-Departure Songs Review


Let me start off this post by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with the Haycock family as they endure their terrible loss.  Tim will be missed.

Now for the review.

When you think of Nashville, the first music genre you think of probably is not post rock.  That, however, does not mean that good post rock music can't come out of Nashville, Tennessee. 

The one, albeit minor, problem I have with post rock is that it is more difficult to distinguish one artist from another because much post rock sounds very similar.  That said, I am admittedly somewhat new to the genre, and therefore less seasoned in the stylings.  Hammock is an ambient post rock duo that mixes live instrumental music with some electronic beats and keyboard sweeps.

The music is like a journey to a faraway place you can only imagine.  Atmospheric ambient melody blends with spacey piano and violin interplay and sparse, minimalist vocalizations.  The vocals emerge in three or four tracks on the entire album.

Listening to this album is a chore, clocking in at a hefty near-two hours encompassing 19 mesmerizing tracks.  But like most post rock music, you have to know how to listen to it.  Find yourself a comfortable spot in the shade between two sturdy trees.  Relax and turn the radio up.  Then, let the melody transport you to a dreamlike realm shut off from the daily grind.  This is relaxation music, not elevator music. 

"Departure Songs" happens to be Hammock's first double album and their fifth overall.  Over the years they have polished and perfected their sound. I have been awaiting this album since word first surfaced that the band would be releasing a new album in 2012.  I'm happy to announce that it did not disappoint.  Instead, it impressed me further.  I encourage you to give this music as listen. 

As always, thanks for reading and enjoy!



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