Indie Music Album Reviews

the hamiltons - In Cranford We Trust

4/8/2014

The Hamiltons

In Cranford We Trust
Soul Fire Records; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

The Hamiltons is a musical project by Robert Hamilton and showcases original songs written by the one and only Cranford Hamilton Nix. The music is no BS, no gimmicks, no apologies. Just a revamped jumped up visit back to the days of old, where pop was a nickel and peace had a chance. A lot of sing-song melodies mask the real heartache that lies beneath, but that’s sticking to the soul of rock n roll. It’s the Rolling Stones, it’s The Ramones, it’s In Cranford We Trust.

Welcome to the throwback party – The Hamiltons look like Buckcherry and Tom Petty made a co-op. Bluesy guitar licks, back to basics beats, honky-tonk drawl with southern grunge. “No Time To Lose” lays into the toms to build us up just to break it back down and then bring it home with some nice quick triplets. This one has a surf rock/early punk feel to it. You have to appreciate the dynamics going on within the verses. At times it’s very Brian Setzer; the last chord on the tag – awesome. The album plays out with more early era chord progressions and jiving beats, only dropping the mood once for a malt shop ballad.

"Bar Room Angel" is a delightful song that borrows some in influence from 1950's pop. The song would fit right at home at prom burring 1955. Hamilton does a great version of "Friend of The Devil" by Grateful Dead. It stays pretty true to the original version. "See You Again" revolves around an acoustic guitar, lead guitar and vocals. A simple song but effective,

In Cranford We Trust is ideal for the older generation, but might have a place in the old at heart youth, still stuck on their tattoos and averting the common scene. Whether you want to take a trip back in time or simply take a break from modern life, this album will fit the bill. Hats off to these gentlemen for seeing where they could shine and owning it. The cycle of music always comes back around, and who knows, maybe they’re pioneering a resurgence of rock’s beginnings; something that borrows from the Strokes, but also Neil Sedaka. No one hold their breath, these are just ideas. Very cool ideas.