HAWKS: The End

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Hawks "NO CASH VALUE" by HAWKS

HAWKS latest album, No Cash Value, is a bittersweet affair. While it’s undeniable that songs such as “Tone Deaf,” “Dust Up” and “Silk Slime” take shape as the group’s strongest performances ever committed to vinyl, they also represent the group’s last stand.

Side two’s deep cut “Luckless” feels like the band’s eulogy. When Mike Keenan sings “Luck’s left town for breathing room, and zero’s going nowhere soon. It’s pushing in. You’ll be right here. As good as where we ended up,” the sentiment is one of ecstatic nihilism. Nothing comes easy in this world, and nothing is free. But why let that stop anyone from living life on their own terms — and calling it a day when the time is right? The song is driven by a searing guitar solo and a barreling rhythm section that seems to be on overdrive from beginning to end. No Cash Value feels like catharsis for HAWKS. From its arrival in September 2007, the group has drawn comparisons to everyone from the Jesus Lizard to the Cherubs. Rightfully so. Keenan’s voice, Andrew Wiggins guitar, Shane Patrick’s drums and Sean Fitzgerald’s bass bore the unmistakable genetic markers of a sonic palette shaped by Touch & Go’s early ’90s highlights. But HAWKS’ homage never came at the expense of truly contentious punk rock aggression. The music is/was righteous, corporeal and Southern in its desire to point a middle finger at anyone who tried to tell them how to live their life.
Alas, No Cash Value puts a grimy and glorious headstone on a decade-long career in noise rock antagonism. HAWKS are dead, but thanks to this one final bookend, the group will live forever in infamy. ★★★★☆

HAWKS play an album release party at the Earl on Sat., April 1. With the Sunglasses and Mutual Jerk. $10. 9 p.m. 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.