Delivery Room

A label compilation for Leaf Records. The label ranges pretty widely from thoughtful abstract sound studies to electronic experimental dance to, in the case of A Hawk and a Hacksaw, an Old Tyme one-man band playing drums, accordion, horns, and what-not? This is an album of enjoyable tracks that somehow flows despite the all-over-the-place sounds. The sign of a fine label – uniformly high quality across many releases.

1. Light tapping percussion (the titular pick-up sticks) with some mild-mannered horns
2. Funky bass and squeaky amelodic noise on top
3. Reverse-tape effects played off against regular-forward-running piano etude
4. Tortoise-style mellow rock with sleepily hazy vocals
5. Reichian repetitive piano figure with an oddly noisy melody banged out over it (BTW, I think that the album cover mixes up this track and the next because it’s highly unlikely that this is A Hawk and a Hacksaw)
6. Slightly shambolic Salvation Army sound to the horns but hey, the dude is playing drums at the same time; the little synthdrum runs are very cute
7. Scratchy, reluctant vioiin over polite breakbeats
8. Processed voices provide a low-level hum while glitchy strings and clicks and pops provide a rhythm and melody of sorts; very pretty
9. Stuttery beats and a nice synth melody
10. Plucked strings act as percussion and bassline, scratchy record melody reminiscent of Phillip Jeck
11. Eerie piano study
12. Jolly piano figure accompanied by lighthearted accordion, whistles; excellent but short
13. Monster bass riff with fucked-up percussion; ass-moving groove
14. Gentle drums and horns; nice touch with the tinkly bells
15. Quiet piano with what sounds like shoe tapping on floorboards
16. Pretty, inside-out piano melody
17. Indie-rock of no special distinction
18. Air raid sirens on downers turn to creepy scratches; sirens on downers return with percussion