Hank Dogs
Half Smile (spinART)
By Kim Newman
Published: June 18th, 2002 | 10:20am
Forget figuring out the new-age nuclear family that comprises the Hank Dogs (Andy; his ex-wife, Piano; their daughter, Dixie; not to mention Andy's daughter from a previous marriage, Lily). Just enjoy their achingly beautiful and traditional folk-infused sounds.
Their sophomore effort, Half Smile, is the hum of a frontier family after a long day's farming. From the first track, "Same New," the album grabs you with intricate guitar-picking and breezy melodies. Then there are Piano's and Lily's vocals! Mysterious yet calming, soft and comforting, their voices are transcendent, flowing into a magical complement of one another.
Truth is, the Hank Dogs' steady sounds don't offer much surprise, but who wants to be jarred when you have an ethereal delight? Simple and unadorned, this is acoustic music that will make you weep with elation.
Issue #35
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