The name is simple and subtle, +++. It’s the new album from producer/songwriter Gavin Hardkiss aka “Hawke.” The trance-dance electronic artist is back with a glow stick waving, couch melting album that has just the right mix of catchy beats and techno rhythm that brings together an all around satisfactory record.
In +++, Hardkiss keeps a steady flow of dance techno sounds but a lot of the album becomes repetitive and consumes more time than needed. In the song “Bob’s My Uncle”, it reminded me of a something that would be playing at the end of a rave, when everyone was burnt to their limits and trying to pick themselves up off the floor. The only difference is I think everyone would have been up and gone before the song even ended. Other than that, I found some of the album very comparable to a Da Rude mixed with a little Daft Punk track, with the variety of effects and experimentalism. It’s a letting your mind free type of record. There are a lot of deep and mellow songs that could fit anyone’s mood such as “Secret Lullaby” or “Hold On To What You’ve Got.” Yet, when you want to let loose and bust out the techno trip, you can crank up “Monday Comes And Goes” and start your night.
There is definitely something on this album for everyone. It connects to the deep and woeful or it can lift your mood with an upbeat, head nodder. I dig the mix of sounds and effects; it’s definitely something I could listen to over and over again. Gavin Hardkiss creates a fresh and unique sound on +++ that is very, very hard to find in any other artist or album.
Aaron Short – MuzicReviews.com Contributor
October 1, 2009
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