Call and response melodic guitars and reedy vocals characterize Albert Hammond, Jr.'s third solo offering, a collection of high energy guitar-driven pop songs that any Strokes fan will surely cherish.
Generally speaking, Hammond, Jr. knows where his strengths lie, and when he plays to them he is able to exceed expectations, as on the warm and contemplative chorus of "Born Slippy." Hammond, Jr. excels particularly on rhythmically intricate, bass-heavy tracks, such as the sinister "Power Hungry." The straightforward rock songs here are reminiscent of his early work with the Strokes, but with an extra percussive edge, as on "Touché." That being said, when Hammond, Jr. ventures too far into experimentation — as on the odd cover of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," on which he experiments with new, odd vocal stylings — he loses the plot a little.
Overall though, Momentary Masters is a satisfying work from an old hand who, nearly 15 years on from establishing himself in the New York scene, still knows how to write a great song.
(Vagrant)Generally speaking, Hammond, Jr. knows where his strengths lie, and when he plays to them he is able to exceed expectations, as on the warm and contemplative chorus of "Born Slippy." Hammond, Jr. excels particularly on rhythmically intricate, bass-heavy tracks, such as the sinister "Power Hungry." The straightforward rock songs here are reminiscent of his early work with the Strokes, but with an extra percussive edge, as on "Touché." That being said, when Hammond, Jr. ventures too far into experimentation — as on the odd cover of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," on which he experiments with new, odd vocal stylings — he loses the plot a little.
Overall though, Momentary Masters is a satisfying work from an old hand who, nearly 15 years on from establishing himself in the New York scene, still knows how to write a great song.
