The Times of Acadiana, Lafayette, Louisiana
Archived June 12, 2006
In "Waiting Around to Die", Townes Van Zandt sang about his new friend codeine. Zandt was a stellar weaver of song, taking country music into new places -- finely worded and evocative poetry. The boys in I See Hawks in L.A. (playing the Blue Moon this Sunday) share Zandt's song writing approach ... and perhaps his friend. Formed during a philosophical discussion/rock throwing session in the Mojave desert, I See Hawks can't help but gaze directly at the sun -- an edgy country rock reminiscent of the 1970s, the Flying Burrito Brothers and Gram Parsons. With their three-part harmony and a knack for songwriting rivaling a mix of Zandt's poetry and Ray Wylie Hubbard's smart, heady material, they also incorporate sly near-comic genius in their story tales songs. Modern troubadours of descriptive narratives and stand-for-something songs, their dreamy alt. country/country rock drifts towards the heavens like embers from a campfire dancing in the wind of a desert night. While remaining grounded in country music, the band takes it on a ride -- music for the open road and the open mind.
-- Nick Pittman, Times of Acadiana
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