Search - Hammerbox :: Hammerbox

I still listen to this about once a week.

kmo4 | seattle | 04/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love hammerbox. I used to go to most of their Seattle shows, and now I am a stay-at-home mom and my kids know all the songs. I never understood why they weren't HUGE. This is a great freaking album."

My Number One Best Band You've Never Heard...

R. Dymond | 02/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that there are no sound samples at this time because I think they would sell some albums. I first fell in love with Hammerbox, and Harris and Carrie's music, via their second album. Their first is comparatively under-produced, but it still has some of the best rock songs I have ever heard. Something about this stuff resonates in my brain like nothing I have ever heard. I suspect this is why reviews on this site tend towards the high. Clearly this won't be to some peoples taste, but to me it DEFINES my taste in music. Frenetic guitar, catchy hooks, female vocals ranging from buttery smooth to jagged and raw. Hammerbox, air guitar be thy name. Several of the songs on this disc will take some adjusting for the uninitiated, but for rockers I advise jumping straight to "We", "Size of the World", and "Starring Matter", which still make my spine tingle after a decade of listening, and the latter of which I think may be my rock song soulmate. Thankfully, it was included on this re-release version, along with "Rain" which throws a wrench into the usual Hammerbox formula by using a slide guitar and a somewhat alt-country rock hook. Other unusual but brilliant notes on this album are the bluesy "Under the Moon" and emotional and mellow "Woke Up" This is a song everyone can love. I even had it played at my wedding before the reception. Tragically, Hammerbox may be best known outside Seattle by the licensing of their music from "Numb" to Playstation games and Snowboard videos. I tell you, if you love rock music this album is a must have. It demonstrates the early search for a defining sound, with some triumphs and some stumbles, but even a fraction of the gems are well worth the price of admission."

A Very Good But Obscure Album

G. Brown | 03/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album during the grunge explosion (without realizing they were, in fact, from Seattle) and was quite impressed. First off, they weren't grungy tag-a-longs, they were a tight, talented indie band with a guitar-heavy psychadelic sound that was reminiscent of Hendrix. Secondly, the woman singing lead had a lovely, throaty, and powerful voice that was a joy to hear, especially after getting accustomed to the high-pitched wailing and screeching of the typical grunge-era band. This is definetly a hidden treasure and these guys deserved a wider audience not to mention a fat recording contract. By all means, pick this one up."