Can you feel the rhythm in your bones? That particular lyric from With Hatchet, Pike & Gun’s “The Truth About Love & Hate” speaks to the overall power of the band’s debut EP, The Greater Good. There is a bubbling up beneath the surface of With Hatchet, Pike & Gun’s music. The band is reminiscent of The Colour Revolt in many ways. Thematically and lyrically the two bands mirror each other. However, WP&G offer a more unpolished take on this forceful brand of rock. The opening refrain of opener “The Hands” sets the tone. Set up your idols/polish them off/get on your knees/idolotry is okay with me/just as long as I am making my money! Dark religious and societal themes give The Greater Good a heavy burden but one the band is able to carry. WHP&G are also able to dial it down for a few songs. “Maternal Instincts” echoes the somber grace and bitterness of some of the best David Bazan/Pedro The Lion material. Two other bands that come to mind are Shiner and perhaps a less mathy version of the great Roadside Monument. Needless to say, WHP&G keep good company. Album closers “Slither” and “We Disagree” combine both facets of the band’s musical prowess perfectly. These tracks showcase a remarkable progression and what this band is capable of when at their best. The Greater Good shines a light on the dirtiness of the world. It may not always be pretty but life rarely is.
Genre: Indie/Rock
RIYL: The Colour Revolt, Pedro The Lion, Roadside Monument
Label: Self-Released
Slither
Whenever I listen to WHP&G, i feel like I’m soaring across a sonic sound scape. Kyle knows what he was born to do; play the drums like a g’damn madman. All the while, Shawn conveys his emotion perfectly while maintaining catchy riffs. Of course Kevin is no amateur when it comes to adding his style and grace to a band. Mike does a great job at feeding my addiction for thick sound and groovy licks. This 4 piece is definitely keeping it real, and should be closing the deal with (insert big wig here) within the year, or so I would imagine.