Jimmy Hawk’s Fever Party

By Jenna Hawkins / September 13th, 2011 in Music / Melbourne / 190 views

Emerging last year with his debut, ‘Echo Park,’ Melbourne based singer/songwriter Jimmy Hawk earned widespread acclaim for his redefining of the folk genre for a modern audience. To follow up the success of his first effort, Hawk is now being backed by a full band and rebranding himself as the aptly named, Jimmy Hawk and The Endless Party.

The debut single from Hawk’s sophomore self-titled long player, A Fever is inspired by the kaleidoscopic nature of romance, and the way it can manifest illusions and narcotic effects, intoxicating those involved. Filled with a sense of warmth and humbleness, conjuring nostalgia yet combining it with modernity, Hawk’s lyrics are reminiscent of the beauty of the late Elliott Smith fused with the upbeat surf rock of San Diego natives Wavves. Hawk’s delicately interlaced melodies, succinct lyricism and croon not unlike fellow garage lo-fi connoisseur Ariel Pink shine with a sense of honesty and calmness.

The romantic aura of A Fever is explored further in the accompanying video directed by James Ratsasane which draws inspiration from lower Eastside 80s video art, combining its glitchy beauty, soft tones and a throwback to the no wave movement. The simplicity of the video revolves around the band jamming in a room with lush velvet curtains intertwined with static obstructions and vintage footage, ending with a typically 80s ‘Pepsi Dance Trax’ party of course! Gnarly dude.