Search - Frank Smith :: Heavy Handed Peace & Love

Another classic

Matthew Bailey | 05/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A tremendous album. This is Frank Smith's 5th record since 2002 and they just keep getting better and better. Keep them coming Frank Smith. Continually defying classification is second to making unbelievable songs. Some country, some indie, some noise, some all at once and it is incredible cohesive. Frank Smith is a band not a man and "Heavy Handed Peace and Love" is a masterpiece."

More melodic than country-punk, but just as aggressive

Feminist Review blog | worldwide | 09/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like any decent alt-country album, Frank Smith's Heavy-Handed Peace & Love starts out with straightforward harmonica and slide guitar. Thankfully, it quickly deviates from every other americana album released this year when it delves into subtle psychedelia. The atmospheric chirps and groans layered behind the folk-rock melodies conjure a true sense of the American landscape. This is both despair and hopefulness, stretched along sparse countryside, the sound drifting across the field from your neighbor's old backporch.



Aaron Sinclair, originally from Texas, started the band in Boston in 2001. Playing in the Boston punk scene for several years somehow led him back to his country roots, and then eventually back to Texas itself. In March of this year the band moved to Austin, the alt-country capital of the world.



In the competitive world of Austin, Sinclair manages to stand out by hanging on to his punk heart. The elements of this influence are peppered throughout Heavy-Handed Peace & Love in songs like "Home Is Where You Leave It" and "Ten Cent Hands." The aggressive guitar riffs and distinctive vocal harmonies (which conjure images of fellow Bostonians, the Pixies) make both of these songs album highlights.



More melodic than country-punk, but just as aggressive in its rough multi-layers, Heavy-Handed Peace & Love is a mix of raw talent and energy. And it's one of those genuine moments, when you get the sense you've caught a band right before they hit it big."