Artwork
by Odandiee
OFFICIAL: http://www.therealhooksband.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/therealhooks/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/therealhooks/
Written
by Pamela Bellmore, posted by blog admin
The
latest single from The Real Hooks, “Damn You”, is a delectably crafted bit of
pop song magic with just enough rock and roll exuberance to draw in those sort
of listeners as well. This family-bonded operation has been working since 2009
and debuted with their first release in 2012 – much of their rise, however, has
been complicated by minor controversies and unexpected setbacks that have
arrested their march towards music superstardom, but “Damn You” conclusively
proves the band has never allowed any of those things to divert them from their
musical development. Instead, they are presenting a better, richer product with
this single than they have managed so far. Led by lead singer and guitarist
Kyle Hooks, the band is joined by the siblings’ father Nicky Hooks on bass, a
second vocalist in oldest son Nick Hooks, as well as Maggie and Raleigh Hooks
on keyboards/vocals and drums respectively.
They
get a lot of energy and mileage from their six string attack, but it never
comes off as strident or somehow not fitting the track’s mood. The production
makes this a weighty musical affair, but it never sacrifices the song’s
essentially fleet footed approach in favor of dense sonics. The band’s
instrumental attack revolves around the guitar and drums, but keyboardist
Maggie provides some important flashes of color at just the right moments to
help further fill out the performance. There are no spotlit virtuoso moments or
overplaying here – The Real Hooks, throughout, remain resolutely committed to
serving the song. Vocalists Kyle and Nick have clean, unfettered voices ideally
suited for this material and their ability to deliver the songs’ lyrics
enhances its unquestioned emotion and light comedic elements. The rhythm
section anchors everything with an equally straight ahead performance that
provides strong support while ably staying in the background and never calling
too much attention to themselves.
The
lyrics are well written and tell a story – admittedly, in non linear terms, but
nonetheless still quite discernible. It’s a neat little variation on the love
song’s standard tropes with just a dollop of attitude to further twist it into
something unique individual. The vocal phrasing matches up rather neatly with
the musical arrangement and balances the song’s twin moods of playful humor and
mock scolding with plenty of style to spare. It’s something not a lot of bands
or acts are particularly adept with today and there’s certainly a place for The
Real Hooks on the biggest and brightest stages thanks to their unique standing
in the modern music world. “Damn You” sounds like the confident, loose and fun
work of a band that’s been around much longer and is sure to enchant a
broad-based music buying public. Family or not, there’s palpable chemistry
throughout the duration of this song and they make it work without ever
straining the listener’s patience. Few songs this year are nearly as likable
and put together so well.
Grade: A+
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