A third single from the forthcoming Electric’album from Australian guitarist Hamish Anderson. And this time, he’s channeling ZZ Top.
Release Date: 2nd August 2024
Label: Self Release
Formats: Digital
ELECTRIC – THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM
Australian guitarist Hamish Anderson sure knows how to raise expectations. We’ve already had the pleasure of two explosive singles – the heavy-rocking Late in the Evening and, more recently, the Beatles-flavoured You’re Mine – from his forthcoming album, Electric (scheduled for UK release on 11th October – watch this space). Now – here comes a third.
With his music, Hamish pays tribute to his 70s heroes – a list that includes the likes of The Faces, T.Rex and, probably most noticeably, Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac. Those are influences that will feature prominently on Electric, but the grooves of this latest offering, Stir Crazy, see Hamish channeling the Texan boogie of ZZ Top. Does he pull it off? Yes, sir, he sure does…
A MAN WITH A GROWING REPUTATION
Hamish Anderson has established quite a reputation for himself. The ex-Gary Clark Jr and George Thorogood sideman was recognized by Total Guitar Magazine as one of 2018’s Top Ten Best New Guitarists and, more recently, he was the subject of a feature in the August 2020 issue of Guitar Player. He’s got two previous albums to his name – 2016 debut Trouble and the 2019 follow-up, Out of My Head. Both were highly acclaimed, with Out of My Head receiving an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Album.
STIR CRAZY
Spacy guitars, echo-y drums and a solid, resonant bassline set the pace and rhythm of Stir Crazy, before the grinding, fuzzy ZZ Top boogie guitars complete the picture. The sound is 80s-sharp, with a small coating of 70s mud to add authenticity. The riffs simmer and the irresistible guitar solos sit comfortably within the ZZ Top template but, perhaps, it’s Hamish’s lyrics that leave the most lasting impression, as he captures the feelings of isolation and frustration that we all suffered during that – now scarcely credible – period of COVID lockdown: “Locked down, nobody make a sound, there’s nobody on the streets. Strange times, messing with your mind, feelings repeat.” I’ve noted before that despite itself, lockdown provided the inspiration for some great music – and here’s another solidly-riffing example.
I have a feeling that we’ll be served a few more appetizers for Electric before the main dish is served in October. Bring ‘em on, I say!
Have a listen to Hamish Anderson’s previous single, You’re Mine – also from the forthcoming Electric album – here:
Hamish Anderson online: Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / X (formerly Twitter) / YouTube / Spotify
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