Shriekback - Hammerheads = album Oil and Gold - 1985

Shriekback's 1985 opus, "Oil and Gold," is a bold testament to the band's adventurous spirit in the realm of post-punk and beyond. In this audacious collection of tracks, "Hammerheads" emerges as a captivating and rhythmically hypnotic masterpiece that showcases the band's innovative prowess and their ability to conjure sonic landscapes that defy convention.

Released at a time when musical boundaries were being stretched to their limits, "Oil and Gold" exemplifies Shriekback's willingness to push the envelope. "Hammerheads" is a standout track that captures the band's distinctive fusion of tribal rhythms and atmospheric textures.

The song unfurls with a mesmerizing percussive groove that immediately beckons the listener into its tribal trance. Barry Andrews' vocals, both commanding and mysterious, serve as a guide through a lyrical journey that explores primal instincts and human nature. The lyrics are a poetic tapestry of symbolism, invoking themes of elemental forces and ancient rituals.

Instrumentally, "Hammerheads" is a sonic spectacle, blending post-punk urgency with intricate rhythmic patterns. The song's immersive blend of percussive elements, ethereal synths, and searing guitar work creates an irresistible and otherworldly sonic tapestry.

Lyrically, "Hammerheads" delves into the depths of primal instincts and the elemental forces that shape our existence. Andrews' delivery is both enigmatic and mesmerizing, inviting the listener to unravel the song's cryptic narrative.

Within the context of "Oil and Gold," "Hammerheads" stands as a rhythmic and sonic tour de force, embodying the album's overarching theme of transformation and exploration.

"Hammerheads" by Shriekback is a testament to the band's ability to create music that challenges the norm and transports the listener to uncharted musical realms. It's a song that captivates with its rhythmic intensity and invites introspection through its enigmatic lyrics. In the ever-evolving world of music, "Hammerheads" remains a timeless and hypnotic masterpiece, reaffirming Shriekback's status as sonic trailblazers and masters of post-punk innovation.

[gregofthelake]

This was not my genre back in the 80's in high school, but I had this album and I wore that tape out. Its an amazing album and still sounds great today

[CrazyTheySaid]

ALWAYS loved this song! Even at 60 i BLARE it full blast! I will probably be blasting it when I die 😜

[Stephenamesbruner]

" You let them in and now they're everywhere . . . " some prophecy there alright.

[peterbc]

I read the nostalgia piece.
Cobblers.
Shout push hammerheads

[AreaMan-etop]

Our time has come, age of the hammerhead
This is our mission, to be the darlings of God
Too late for silence, too late for anything
It's all too much for me, its roots go down too deep for me
A punishing fire, an animal frenzy
These hammerhead people know what danger is for
You let them in and now they're everywhere
If it's mineral or vegetable it's back a little up a little
Shout, push, hammerheads, bold and resolute
Marching, balancing, in too far to go back
Yes, yes, hammerheads, swimming, kissing
We are big and clever and we don't know anything
Purification by immersion in our filthy demon seed
We know the only things you like are paranoid sex and childish greed
Our own worst enemies, they hollowed us out of wood
Look at all the grease inside us, gonna get us this time but good
Whether we pull it out or push it in it all ends up the same
You know a hammerhead is a hammerhead by any other name
Shout, push, hammerheads, bold and resolute
Marching, balancing, in too far to go back
Yes, yes, hammerheads, swimming, kissing
We are big and clever and we don't know anything
Onward hammerheads, bright and dangerous
Jumping running in the field and factory
God save hammerheads, keeping going
We are sleek and special and we're sure of something
Blessed are the apemen
Blessed are the shit kickers
Blessed are the jack hammers
Blessed is the big damage
Blessed are the faith healers
Blessed are the moon walkers
Blessed are the snake people
Blessed are the heat seekers
Shout, push, hammerheads
Yes, yes, hammerheads
Shout, push, hammerheads, bold and resolute
Marching, balancing, in too far to go back
Yes, yes, hammerheads, swimming, kissing
We are big and clever and we don't know anything
Shout, push, hammerheads, bold and resolute
Marching, balancing, in too far to go back
Yes, yes, hammerheads, swimming, kissing
We are big and clever and we don't know anything
Onward hammerheads, bright and dangerous
Jumping running in the field and factory
God save hammerheads, keeping going

[Merica]

Dude!! Who makes this turntable?? Fuck I want it. So sick

[johndonnelly]

Do you always have Fench Cuffs when you play vinyl?

[peterbc]

Mineral or vegetable ....bold and and clever ....we don't know anything. Have we no respect for education and peripatetic contributors just yes yes hammerheads yes yes hammerheads

[jeffsimon]

These lyrics are terrifying. Did this band prophesy Hamas / Hezbollah / Isis?

[johndonnelly]

What is the point of showing your $10, 000 turmtable. I cannot hear the difference.