I See Hawks in L.A. Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
The politically and socially-themed country rock & roll of I See Hawks in L.A. continues on its 2008 album Hallowed Ground, whose back cover shot of a wilted group of flowers against an out of focus Los Angeles skyline sums up the sentiments about trying to keep it all together in a harsh series of environments. If a listener's reaction to songs with fairly direct messages like "Carbon Dated Love" and "Environmental Children of the Future" will definitely vary person to person, there's no question that the quartet has the kind of easygoing but sprightly sound down that defines what 21st century roots music that isn't afraid of modern recording technology sounds like, whether it means the crackle of feedback or simply an appreciation for clear sound. The full-bodied rhythm snarls on songs like "Keep It in a Bottle" have a punch that keeps things from simply being a museum piece. Sometimes the elaborate constructions of the lyrical references that Rob Waller and Paul Lacques conjure up are downright dazzling, as with the conflation of religious and scientific imagery on "In the Garden," but just as often the best pleasures come with the subtle musical touches as the descending musical break before the third verse of "Yolo County Airport," which rivals prime Cheap Trick. Other touches like Dave Markowitz's lovely fiddle work on "Pale and Troubled Race," the wonderful ballad towards the end of the album, and Richie Lawrence's merry accordion on the concluding "Good and Foolish Times," a wry, bemusing finale, help give Hallowed Ground its enjoyable spark. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide
'California Country'
Release Date 5/9/2006
Tracks 13
Label Western Seeds
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Connoisseurs of surreal country in the grand Gram Parsons/Flying Burrito Brothers/Byrds tradition will find much to love on California Country, a collection of shrewd, witty songs custom-fitted -- big beats and all -- for the beards'n'boots crowd. Here's a disc that suggests its creators have their ears in the '70s and their minds in a modern protest rally: "Byrd from West Virginia" praises the titular senator for his outspokenness on the Iraq War, and "Barrier Reef," with its hilarious refrain that "The keeper of the leaf/Is the barrier reef to my sanity," hints at the backwardness of the national ban on marijuana. Elsewhere, the ever-evolving lineup of I See Hawks in L.A. sees fit to cut loose. "Slash from Guns N' Roses," which hooks up those accustomed to trafficking purely in twang with some excellent rock guitar licks, is a prime example; in it, a Slash impersonator is confronted by the real deal at an L.A. party. "Motorcycle Mama," meanwhile, revisits a beloved character from a same-named Neil Young song -- here, she's still laying her big spike down, only she sounds more inclined to a saddle up when she's off the hog. Musically, I See Hawks in L.A.'s heavenly three-part harmonies are tight as ever, and frontman Rob Waller sounds by turns broken, brainy, and borrowed from a different, cooler planet. Should NASA ever find an outer-space mission for a whiskey-shooting country singer, he's their man. ~ Tammy La Gorce, All Music Guide
'I See Hawks in L.A.'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 12
Label Western Seeds
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
I See Hawks in L.A. takes a slightly more cerebral approach to country music. This is not to say the genre is overrun with cavemen, but clipped onto the well-worn bootheels of this outfit is a spur of skewed wit, intelligence, and contemplation. The music itself is the very picture of congeniality -- accomplished players strum languidly with reverence and grace, conjuring deep-seeded tradition rather than new country (aka, rock music from people in cowboy hats). There's a grass-roots essence running through the album, but the band sidesteps tradition in the lyrics with tracks like "Nicotine & Vitamin C," the lovely sunset lullaby of "The Beautiful Narcotic Place I Reside," and the saddle-shop quartet of "A Dog Can Break Your Heart Too." Furthermore, "The Mystery of Life" and "Duty to Our Pod" seem downright existentialist in their approach. The modest bari-twang vocals of Robert Rex Waller Jr. and the other contributing voices are all appropriately unpolished, and everything goes down as smooth as molasses. This self-titled debut album has too much grit and professionalism to be a novelty act, but I See Hawks in L.A. is, in fact, such a smart band that they practically alienate themselves from the genre they fit so well. Also, the fact that they received an award for Best Country Band in the city of Los Angeles only furthers the notion that the quintet is a little left of center. With a nod and a dry smirk, these boys are the best-kept secret in philosophical tongue-in-cheek Southern hospitality that California has to offer. Only you can decide how vital that is, but rest assured these boys can play. ~ Glenn Swan, All Music Guide
