The open road, windows down, stereo blasting – this is the perfect way to dive into Hawk’s I’m On Fire, a re-release which is due to drop at the end of this month. The intersection of fiery guitar riffs and heart-thumping drumming is where this LP lives making it a must-listen for fans of classic rock and Chicago blues rhythms.
From the moment “Mother Road,” kicks off the 12-track album, the influence of seventies era American music can be heard in every chord. The decisive melody and subtle cow-bell of “Turn Up the Radio” – a suggestion which is strongly advised – keeps this trend moving as David Hawkins sings of wild women and impromptu adventures. Hawk slows things down a bit with the down tempo jam “Topanga” later on the album.
Skynyrd-style riffs elevate I’m On Fire‘s closer, “Higher,” to soaring heights while the delicately layered vocals and bluesy keyboards add interest and intrigue. The final 75-second reprise weaves all of the composition elements together creating worthy conclusion to the sonic story of I’m On Fire.
Following the release of I’m on Fire, Hawkins and company are exploring the early stages of a follow-up effort which could arrive as early as next year. Confirmed guest musicians on the project include Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star) and Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello). Along with Hawk, Hawkins is also the mastermind behind the music and timeless stories of the folky project, Be.
I’m On Fire takes listeners on a journey – which at times is emotionally enhanced as a result of the detours caused by the unexpected road blocks in life – firmly guided by the versus and chorus of a rock road map. Mark your calendars for Nov. 25 to pick-up a copy of Hawk’s ode to all things rock and roll, I’m On Fire – available on BandCamp – and head over to HawkMusic.net to keep up to date with future releases.