Album Review: Hawxx – The World Splits Open
Reviewed by Tim Finch
It is often said that in humanity’s worst times, whilst some people rise up and fight others do so in the form of music. Some of the best musical genres we’ve experienced over the years have come from years of political tyranny and oppression of the people.
Today is no different as the US suffers under the rule of Donnie the Dictator, whilst the UK fights battles on two fronts – our current government (with a PM now half out the door) have funded a genocide whilst jailing pensioners for protesting it, and on the other side of Westminster Temu Trump (Farage) licks his lips, spreading division across our land and pocketed millions in “gifts” from his billionaire overlords.
In this oppressive moment in which we live music is yet again the leading light in the fight back, and one of the brightest shining lights in a new movement is that of Hawxx. A stand out performance at last months Uprising Festival whet our whistle, followed by a wonderful chat with the group, so now what does ‘The World Splits Open’ have to offer?
Opening with ‘Resistance is Justified’ the listener is given an idea of what is about to come. A track with a heavy punk aesthetic immediately grabs your attention but it’s the lyrics delivered with venom that resonate; “profit from the mass murder and bombing of an entire population” even more relevant today as the tag line that underscores Kier Starmer’s premiership.
‘Macho Bullshit’ switches things up, less fire and fury and more melodic musically, that is until it really kicks in. The band flex their queer feminist rage in a chorus that is as catchy as it is lyrically poignant.
The album allows the band to build their brand but also spread their wings creatively. ‘We Are Nature’ leans away from the punk undertones into a softer number, yet no less impactful in its delivery. Whilst ‘Arm the Animals’ has a heavier groove and an almost industrial chorus giving latter day Pitchshifter vibes.
In a world where the people have been divided and set against each other, all for political gain, it is the ideal moment for a new movement to arise. On the musical side of the momentum Hawxx lead the way and ‘The World Splits Open’ sees them mark out their territory. Our future is going to be intense and Hawxx will be our soundtrack!
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