Hamish Hawk review – Jarvis Cocker-esque Scot shows why he’s at the edge of the big time
New Century Hall, ManchesterAlso channelling Elvis and Scott Walker, the charismatic singer’s character softens as he moves from bold songs from latest album A Firmer Hand to older tracksOn new album A Firmer Hand, Hamish Hawk traded the easy, early Scott Walker-indebted indie of previous albums – 2021’s Heavy Elevator and 2023’s Angel Numbers – for a darker, grittier, more sexually forthright evaluation of who the Edinburgh artist really is. The contrast gets turned up during this impressive show, which charts just how far he’s come; after more than a decade of releases, he has matured into a charismatic, Jarvis Cocker-esque performer at the edge of the big time.After a quick introductory bow, Hawk leads his band breathlessly through A Firmer Hand’s opening four songs. His body tenses as he struts the stage, and his fierce glare only breaks when a raunchy one-liner – “I felt him fit me like a glove” he croons on Machiavelli’s Room – propels his eyebrows upwards. Save for a couple of playful touches – the “uh-huh” in Machiavelli’s Room comes an Elvis lip-curl, and the “playground jazz” in Big Cat Tattoos with a flash of jazz hands – this opening run is poised, serious business. When Hawk finally addresses the crowd – “there’s nowhere we’d rather be,” he beams – the sudden warmth comes as a shock. Continue reading...
New Century Hall, Manchester
Also channelling Elvis and Scott Walker, the charismatic singer’s character softens as he moves from bold songs from latest album A Firmer Hand to older tracks
On new album A Firmer Hand, Hamish Hawk traded the easy, early Scott Walker-indebted indie of previous albums – 2021’s Heavy Elevator and 2023’s Angel Numbers – for a darker, grittier, more sexually forthright evaluation of who the Edinburgh artist really is. The contrast gets turned up during this impressive show, which charts just how far he’s come; after more than a decade of releases, he has matured into a charismatic, Jarvis Cocker-esque performer at the edge of the big time.
After a quick introductory bow, Hawk leads his band breathlessly through A Firmer Hand’s opening four songs. His body tenses as he struts the stage, and his fierce glare only breaks when a raunchy one-liner – “I felt him fit me like a glove” he croons on Machiavelli’s Room – propels his eyebrows upwards. Save for a couple of playful touches – the “uh-huh” in Machiavelli’s Room comes an Elvis lip-curl, and the “playground jazz” in Big Cat Tattoos with a flash of jazz hands – this opening run is poised, serious business. When Hawk finally addresses the crowd – “there’s nowhere we’d rather be,” he beams – the sudden warmth comes as a shock. Continue reading...
