Hammok "When Does This Place Become Our Scene"
From Everything is Noise…
Expectations were frankly pretty high for When Does This Place Become Our Scene and, also frankly, they still managed to exceed them by sheer willpower and energy. Whether it’s the clamor of the opening track and lead single “The Scene” or the sticky catchiness of “Gooning for Free”, Hammok are immense. They really skate between a traditional hardcore hammering and the rough elegance of noise rock distortion. When the instrumentation kicks in hard, especially during choruses, vocals stand in its neck deep water; not quite drowned out, but certainly panicked and distorted as if calling out for rescue.
When Does This Place Become Our Scene is just a massive win on all fronts. For all the insecurities and uncertainties it spins with its lyrics and themes, it’s remarkably sure of itself as a sonic encampment of punk ferocity and melodic vigor. It’s the kind of album you hear and wanna immediately show the rest of your pals who like this stuff. I hope this is a shining moment for Hammok, that they are introduced to lots of new fans and supported near and far in ways that matter to them. Anything less is just unacceptable because they are the real deal when it comes to big-time sound and wringing intensity.