There’s an otherworldliness that inhabits the deserts of California. It’s not just the inhospitable environment, it’s also a sense of realness that comes to the improbable. From the conspiracy theorists outside China Lake to the mystics in Joshua Tree, some of the inhabitants embrace that difference in life. With their roots in the high desert of the Mojave, I See Hawks In L.A. always manage to inject a little of that spirituality into their tales of ordinary Californians. Those are set to a musical style with equal parts Oildale and Topanga, and makes the Hawks sound instantly recognizable. With a fresh stack of songs written against the backdrop of the pandemic, they’re releasing a new album, On Our Way.
Might’ve Been Me leads off with a touch of mysticism and the sense of spirits in the air, or, you know, might’ve just been me. On Our Way gets a little Byrds style jangly guitar amid an admission that life is all about the journey, not the destination. The Hawks signature galloping rhythm and vocal harmonies are also front and center on If I Move. It’s a tale of disappointment and realization that you’re so anchored in a place that every store and parking lot has a memory, and now those memories are more haunting than joyous.
Stepping a little bit away from the country rock genre is Mississippi Gas Station Blues, delving into the Faulknerian choices one sometimes has to make. It has Texas roadhouse beat that would make ZZ Top proud. Kensington Market is a 60’s Brit-pop number featuring drummer Victoria Jacobs on vocals with a trip through the alternative lifestyle of another generation. Also coming with a little whimsy is Kentucky Jesus, an ode to Muhammad Ali. Know Just What To Do features squeaky fiddle and synthesizer parts in a trippy look at a free spirit.
Spanning a 20+ year period, this is the 10th album for I See Hawks In L.A. During that time the band has built a loyal following and achieved critical acclaim while playing mostly in their home state. I highly recommend seeing them live if you get a chance. Their harmonies and melodic guitar parts are just as brilliant in person as on a record. But if a trip to SoCal isn’t in your future, On Our Way is a worthy substitute whether you’re new or a diehard fan.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.