The four-track CD begins with "You May (Take Drugs in the Day)," a short song with rollicking piano and boisterous vocals. It is a good introduction to Hamfatter's colorful music, which is a mix of, among other instruments and styles, funky guitar, jazzy drums, and bold piano. There are, however, dark undertones in the lyrics sometimes. Hamfatter have been compared to Belle & Sebastian, and, I have to admit, I thought of this comparison myself, although the music is definitely Hamfatter's. But being the Belle & Sebastian fan I am, I don't mind the similarities that are present—catchy tunes, clever lyrics, pop sensibility, etc.
Also included on the EP is "You're Beautiful," a jazzy song about a relationship that is simply not working. In this song, drums and jaunty guitar and bass join the piano. Eoin's voice is wonderfully expressive, and the music fits it well. It all sounds nice with the female vocals on the chorus. "Don't Lean on Me" is the most rock song of all, with its electric guitar and strong bass line, although there are changes in the song's mood throughout and the surprising addition of a harpsichord. This song starts off charmingly enough, but ends up seeming a little too long at almost six minutes; by the end, its effect wears off a bit. "Not What We Want" is a pleasant mix of piano, guitar, synthesizers, bass, and drums, and the varied dynamics and intensities makes it doubly intriguing.
I did some research on the band's website (hamfatter.net) and discovered that Hamfatter got together in October of 2001 in Cambridge, England, and from what I can tell, is made up of Eoin, who sings, plays bass and piano; James, who plays guitars and sings; and Mark, who plays drums. According to the site, they plan another release early this year. I hope to hear it, because if it's anything like this EP, it will be great.
|
