Paul Hawkins and the Awkward Silences - Outsider Pop

by Owen Peters

published: 21 / 2 / 2016

Paul Hawkins and the Awkward Silences - Outsider Pop

Label: Blang Records
Format: CD

intro

Darkly humorous and thought-provoking latest album from London-based anti-folk musician Paul Hawkins and his band the Awkward Silences

I first came to the world of Paul Hawkins via the hypnotic and magnetic Blang Records compilation, 'Lucky Dip'. Hawkins' contribution, 'It Takes a Nation of Idiots to Hold Me Back', provided an indelible musical tattoo, once heard never forgotten. In the music world of conformity, branding, corporate logos and general bullshit, thanks be to bands who have something to say in an truly independent style. All rise for Paul Hawkins & The Awkward Silences' latest album, 'Outsider Pop'. Hawkins has been around since 2005 and quickly gained a reputation amongst London’s anti-folk community, due to his black comic lyrics which he meshes around pop melodies. He’s akin to John Cooper Clarke snarling at a dirty punk band, "Come on, mate, if you think you're hard enough”...then in walks Jarvis Cocker saying, “Listen, have you both really thought this through? Consider this option…" His lyrical dexterity is rooted in death references, reflections on life, comings, goings, regrets, and loneliness. He’s a storyteller. No, he’s more than that. He provides parables, parading as catchy, snappy songs. He entices you into hidden, dark places with reassuring guitar riffs as your fingers strum and your feet tip tap. Why wouldn’t anyone follow him? By all accounts he’s…'Saved the World'. Beware. As the door shuts, you’ll realise it’s a dark place. Enter at your own risk. The album's ten tracks don’t have a bad ditty amongst them. Strangely enough, some are rather good. 'Johnny' is just downright spooky. If you ever thought of donating your organs, this little ditty will make you think again as the deceased comes back to reclaim their liver. One step at a time on the staircase of fear. The song belongs in a Tarantino film. 'The Black Hound of the Western World' tells of a meeting with the Grim Reaper. The first time the song's protagonist is on their way back from school, and then again at 27 years old he is told, “It might be twenty years from now, but the next time we meet you’ll be mine.” Edgar Allan Poe meets Nick Cave at midnight in Tesco. Listen out for the bells calling. It’s a subtle touch. Not in a 'Tubular Bells' campanology of sound, more a gentle warning: For Whom the Bell Tolls… The hand of producer Ian Button adds some deft touches throughout the album, none more so than 'It Takes a Nations of Idiots to Hold Me Back'. Backing percussion and simple harmonies make this one of the more upbeat and commercial offerings from Hawkins. “I’m convinced when I die a billion people will celebrate my life,” he sings. Not only is this tongue-in-cheek but close on offering personal fellatio. Such is the depth of his dark parody. New addition to the band Mary Boe provides what is a satirical theme to 'Walt Will Rise Again'. Her vocal registration is that of a child almost as if she’s playing the part of Annie (the musical) …”and like all greatest heroes Walt will never die/He’s just frozen in a moment waiting for a time.” It even has an infectious sing-a-long chorus..."Become a cartoon/Become a cartoon…" “Outsider Pop” is entertaining, thought provoking, lyrically razor sharp, and covers a plethora of diverse topics and themes. Nice job, Mr. Hawkins.

Track Listing:-

1 How We Lost the War
2 The Precautionary Principle
3 The Day I Saved the World
4 (I've Left The) New World Order
5 The Black Hound of the Western Wood
6 The Canonbury Witch Trials
7 It Takes a Nation of Idiots to Hold Me Back
8 The Substitute
9 Johnny
10 Walt Will Rise Again

Band Links:-

http://paulalexanderhawkins.com/
http://theawkwardsilences.com/
https://twitter.com/outsiderpop
https://www.facebook.com/outsiderpop
https://twitter.com/paulhawkins