In anticipation of Andy Hawk’s newest release next month, revisiting last year’s Tin Can Town seems appropriate. Here, Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings revive their euphonious Americana with ease and purpose, both characteristics often taken for granted in popular music today. With the classic no-nonsense approach sometimes referred to as, “Don’t bore us – get to the chorus,” Hawk and his boys always keep you at arm's length, stapling themselves to your attention span with a collection of songs that average around three minutes in length.

Commonly compared to Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Hawk’s songs come catchy and melodious in classic songwriter style. There’s no flash or glamour to this record, just carefree Americana. In fact, the music is much like the man himself. Ask anyone who knows Andy and they’ll tell you he’s an easy-going, come as you are type fellow, and his tunes follow suit. Tracks like the jaunty “Think Too Much,” “Tin Can Town,” and “Real Gone Girl” provide easy rhythms to illustrate uneasy times. Hawk is clearly attracted to themes of longing, lost hope, and alcohol-induced therapy with this record. Many of his songs could easily become Raymond Carver stories.

“Break Free,” a ditty of lost love, slows the tempo with a melody reminiscent of one of those popular Eric Clapton ballads (think “Wonderful Tonight”). And speaking of white guys that play the blues, “Pitchy & Time-erratic Blues” shows that Andy and the Train Wreck Endings can pull their weight in that department as well. A highlight of the album, this flavorful track not only showcases the bold craftsmanship of Gary Rudinsky on lead guitar and Chuck Bordelon on bass, but it’s finely balanced with a humorous tale that’s worth a good listen. Other entertaining tales include “Tombstone,” a western ragtime inspired tune that begins, “Here lies Jimmy Parker, hanged by mistake in 1882.” Oh, that Mr. Parker, he had it coming! And of course, “The Last Two in the Bar,” another well-received account of last call love.

Steve DeVries is another Train Wrecker worth mentioning. The handyman of the group, DeVries picks up the slack wherever needed with his expertise on a variety of instruments including mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. Rudinsky’s romantic guitar work in harmony with DeVries’ banjo riff on “Music From Another Room” makes for a subtle serenity that adds another dimension to the album.

What makes a songwriter popular these days? Not usually his lyrics as much as his band. Tin Can Town becomes a marriage between the two; one consistently supplementing the other without ever feeling contrived or irrelevant. One of the greatest thrills of Bob Dylan’s live performance is that he always has an amazing band behind him. Well, like Dylan’s band, the Train Wreck Endings accentuate Hawk’s lyrics and allow him to shine. Check out Tin Can Town, available on Itunes and CDBaby, and keep your eyes open for his upcoming release. 

By Author and Vice President: Ben Cokeley

Ben was born in Pittsburgh during the summer of 1983 (the year Roxy Music disbanded). He has since inhabited Chicago, New York, and several Virginian cities including Richmond, where he prefers to spend the majority of his time. His interest in music sparked at age three when he began taking piano lessons. A passion for theatre and film would soon follow; he was known for acting in high school and college productions while focusing on the independent film scene in Richmond. Nowadays, you’re likely to catch him at a bar in the Fan or commuting to Fredericksburg where he works as a high school teacher/behavior specialist. Ben enjoys a variety of music, some long-time favorite musicians/bands include: Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Doors, The Isley Brothers, Buddy Guy, Tom Petty, David Bowie, and George Clinton.