The ever-popular sound that is Americana knows no bounds, and spans from coast to coast and beyond, and count California unit Andrew Browning And The 9 Pound Hammers as some of the latest proprietors.
The band is seasoned in their West Coast roots-rock grit, a form that takes prominent shape in all their records, with their latest display releasing just last week. Love is a Beautiful Thing showcases 10 songs bursting with heartland rock n’ roll chops, and hard-hitting narrative songwriting elements.
Kicking things off with a bang from the get go is “Rock N’ Roll Cocaine,” setting the scene with its impressive production value. Browning’s vocals are scratchy and deep, with a bite like a cup of black coffee in the morning. At its core, this number has a feel-good message, depicting that “rock n’ roll cocaine high” that accompanies fame, success, and excess. It’s a quintessential tune about cheap thrills and letting loose.
Originally released as a single earlier this month, “Preachers of Doom” tones down the theatricality, instead showcasing more simplistic vocal stylings backed by groovy guitar playing. The lyrics put it simply: in a world that preaches a narrative of doom and gloom, just keep on keepin’ on and everything will shake out as it should.
Another notable track, “Your Love is Junk,” has all the trappings of a tender love song, yet Browning’s stony vocals deliver an edge with a dose of irreverence, with Browning singing of the woes of a man scorned.
Bringing the record to a close is the 70s classic rock-esque tune and October single, “Econoline.” This ode to the classic Ford series van is the most streamed track off the record so far, delivering a feeling of hitting the open road, boldly setting off in search of oneself. Though it’s the final number, this one feels more like the beginning of something new, or perhaps the turning of a new leaf.
Love is a Beautiful Thing was recorded at 4th Street Recording, and features collaborations with Chris Lawrence (Mike Ness, Shooter Jennings), John DePatie (Don Randi), Belle Johnson (Miley Cyrus, Kanye West), Sergio Cardenas (Mana, Pepe Aguilar, Jenni Rivera), and Jake Abernathie (Robert Jon and the Wreck).
Working closely with Derek O’Brien (Social Distortion, Agent Orange, The Adolescents) for their third project, Browning and O’Brien embraced their rock backgrounds to amp up the stakes. The goal? “To make it scream California,” Browning states. “We felt like we wanted to put as much of who we are and where we’re from into this album as possible.”
Underneath the striking instrumentals and compelling arrangements, the album’s message is one which narrates the intricacy of humanity, living life to the fullest, and expressing love.
Regarding the new release, Browning hopes that listeners can relate to its depiction of “the messiness of love, its imperfection, its passion and half-heartedness. “It’s these very human traits that make love a beautiful thing.”
