Review
Hangman’s Hymnal
Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town

Snappy Little Numbers (2020) T

Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town cover artwork
Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town — Snappy Little Numbers, 2020

Hangman’s Hymnal is a nice addition to the Snappy Little Numbers roster and every bit as archaic as the title suggests. With a Wild West vibe pervading the songs, they manage to evoke mental images of them holding court in a saloon to perform their seasoned murder folk to a bunch of buzzed delinquents as part of a debaucherous hootenanny soiree.

In other words, Hangman’s Hymnal LP delivers the audio version of an informal loose party-esque gathering where sinister folk tunes are busted out with gusto.

Incorporating an eclectic variety of musical influences and mixing things up with e.g. a cappella and jazzy parts, Hangman’s Hymnal drive their old-timey sound with infectious beats and infuse it with enough dramatic ups and downs to convince one that it must be a hoot to have a dram of whisky while being serenaded by them in a live environment.

6.8 / 10T • July 27, 2021

Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town cover artwork
Hangman’s Hymnal – Small News Travels Fast in a Bad Town — Snappy Little Numbers, 2020

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