Guildford’s Hammerjack describe themselves as straight up rock and roll and this is a pretty accurate description of what to expect on this EP. I have reviewed quite a lot of records that would all fall loosely into rock and roll or perhaps more recognisably as hard rock. As a genre it’s an intriguing one because in many ways it hasn’t really developed since is 70’s/ 80’s heyday. There isn’t really any nu-hard rock just hard rock. What surprises me even more though is that not only is this genre alive and kicking but it is still producing great record’s and bands like Hammerjack. So you, kinda know what you are going to get with this ep but not only do Hammerjack execute the criteria extremely well they still manage to find new nuances and breathe fresh air into it.
This is only the second EP since the band’s formation in 2013 and the first for 2 years but the time on the road seems to be really telling and the 4 tracks included are all top notch. The lead single “I Can’t Change” pretty much sums up Hammerjacks sound, think AC/DC with a little bit more southern rock feel and you will be somewhere near. It’s a pretty straight forward rocker but it works well on that basis. The combination of the guitar riffs and the slightly gravelled voice works well and once the “I can’t change” refrain is thrown in at the chorus it becomes very quickly addictive.
“Going Down Again” is a great follow up track particularly as it starts with a great and transgressive guitar riff. It’s a soulful lick that has you thinking a bit of Gary Moore before the song drops its tempo into a Thunderesque quiet reflection. Mixed into this is a similar upbeat repeated chorus like the first song. What it shows though, is an added depth of personality to the band.
“Take it All” is a good time rock and roll track. A funky rhythm and guitar is combined with another big chorus. There is a touch of Def Leppard throughout all these songs, or even early Whitesnake. Every song that the guys have chosen for this EP could be the lead single and perhaps at times on such a small amount of space this is a little confusing, I would definitely like to see what else they can do. This track does contain a great lead solo part way through.
“More Than Nothing” has a great slide guitar and southern rock vibe at the beginning and the Axl Rose style lyric’s and delivery suit this song. This is a little bit more swamp rock and I like this track. What really stands out over the previous three songs though is the chorus, this isn’t just the repeated line but has a great paragraph chorus that is just as catchy as the shorter chorus of the previous 3 songs but offers you that little bit more. There seems such much more investment in this song. There are multiple layers and twists and it shows that Hammerjack really do have a lot left back in the locker.
This is a great EP with some quality playing and songs and I particularly like the live vibe that they have managed to capture throughout. I think that with the variety of songs on show that there are many levels to this band and this is going to be best showcased on Long player. Its definitely time for an album and I for one look forward to seeing what they could do and the narratives they could create with the freedom an album would give them. EP2 is a great taster for LP1 and there is no doubt if you love hard rock you will love Hammerjack.
