HANOI RAGMEN - HANOI JACK
Virginian band Hanoi Ragmen do a great job of creating a thought inspiring, groovy compositions. "Hanoi Jack" begins with a slick bass-line (which is easier said than done) alongside the rhythm section, establishing a wonderful bed for synths and guitar work to fill out. I've found that harmonic progressions from verse to hook are a very important part of good song.
Regarding instrumentality, I feel like the execution of the horns is perfect. Tonally, Hanoi Ragmen are adventurous without being "extra." At times, I find myself thinking I am hearing completely different instruments, but alas, it is simply a wonderful, creative job with the horns in the song and mix. This song seems right at home on stage, with infinite spacing for solos or "rides" as they are often referred to. There is almost a thematic quality to the progressions the Hanoi Ragmen employ, representative of a mature collective that has an understanding that songwriting is and should be comprised of more than one fun element. Hanoi Ragmen provide us with a layered insightful piece. Isaac Adhoot, Kostia Howard and Marian Morton deliver strong horn parts, which, alongside a solid rhythm section, give a certain swagger that you just can't fake.
