A Hawk and a Hacksaw - Délivrance

In not striving to be an authentic Eastern European folk band, A Hawk and a Hacksaw become, conversely, as triumphant, resilient and uplifting as the most archaic folk music from deep in the Carpathian mountains. Theirs is not the superficial emulation of a culture but rather a masterful assimilation of glorious international rhythms and melodies much like Beirut's. Unlike their previous full-length, which tended towards introspection, Délivrance is an absolute blast, wall-to-wall with rambunctious horn blasts. Even when the whirlwind eases up, it moves towards a sublime ethereal joy, such as on the soaring lament of Raggle Taggle, the awkwardly loping march of Vasalisa Carries a Skull Through The Forest, and the socio-surreal lyrics of I’m Not a Gambling Man. Music like this, as intelligent as it is irresistibly danceable, is a genuine treasure.