SAY Award 2023's nominees explained: Hamish Hawk – Angel Numbers
As 2023's Scottish Album Of The Year Award draws near, we're penning some handy primers on each shortlisted album to help you wade through this avalanche of musical goodness. Today we're chatting Hamish Hawk’s shimmering indie spectacle Angel Numbers
Act: Hamish Hawk
Album: Angel Numbers
How it sounds: Like a Frankenstein’s Monster of Neil Hannon’s witty lyricism, Morrissey’s arch vocal delivery and a jangly indie that Vic Galloway would have championed late at night on BBC Radio Scotland in 2005. Sarcy as that description might seem, the combination itself is as delightful as it’s ever been on his fourth LP. It’s the most Hamish Hawk that Hamish Hawk has ever sounded, overflowing with confidence, imagination and momentum as he weaves his labyrinthine lyrics through expansive rock tunes that shoot for a big audience without diluting his idiosyncrasies. As he told us in an interview earlier this year, 'I’m setting sail in ways that I haven’t done before. These days, every time I write, it’s an attempt to move forward on that journey; musically, lyrically, vocally and emotionally.’
Top track: ‘Think Of Us Kissing’, an almost indecently massive power chord worshipping banger. Come for the irresistible piano on the bridge, stay for the slyly filthy lyrics.
Do you come here often? Hamish Hawk is making his second appearance on the SAY Award shortlist this year, following a nod for his exuberant third album Heavy Elevator in 2021.
Why Hamish Hawk should win: He may be a Hawk but he has eagle eyes on this prize (ARF!). There are a few descents into the naffer end of indie on Angel Numbers, but at its best this is shimmering erudite rock that, despite wearing its melange of influences on its sleeve, exudes Hawk’s personality like a glorious clarion call.
The SAY Award winner will be announced on Thursday 26 October. Hamish Hawk will perform live at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday 10 February.
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