Album Review: Closebye – ‘Hammer of My Own’
The hammer, a symbol deeply rooted in human history, represents both industriousness and impulsiveness. For the New York band Closebye, it signifies the act of dismantling one’s old life to build anew—a task that is often easier said than done. True self-improvement demands more than just trendy wellness practices; it requires hard work, self-motivation, and a willingness to face difficult situations head-on.
Closebye’s second album, ‘Hammer of My Own’, captures this journey of creation and destruction. The music reflects the band’s own tumultuous path, including their near-breakup in 2021, the pandemic’s impact on the live music industry, and the subsequent joy of rebuilding. Lead singer-songwriter Jonah Paul Smith describes the album’s lyrical themes as grappling with self-reliance, shifting blame, projection, and codependency, ultimately finding a sober independence and self-salvation.
Musically, ‘Hammer of My Own’ is a testament to these conflicting impulses. The band combines their gauzy, textural indie rock with a robust rhythmic foundation reminiscent of early-’90s rock and rave fusion, akin to bands like Primal Scream and the Stone Roses. This sonic evolution owes much to the production skills of multi-instrumentalist Ian Salazar (White Denim, Mamalarky), who crafted the album’s striking sound. The mixing expertise of James Krausse (Porches, Carly Rae Jepsen) adds a sleek finish to the tracks.
At the heart of the album is the band’s chemistry. Jonah Paul Smith’s vocals, tender yet world-weary, anchor the soundscape without dissolving into it. Julian Paint Smith’s synths and guitar leads oscillate between dreamy and electrifying, keeping listeners on edge. The rhythm section, comprising bassist Margaux Bouchegnies—fresh off her debut LP *Inside The Marble*—and drummer Simon Clinton, fuses the power of rock with the relentlessness of rave, creating an overwhelming wall of sound that starkly contrasts their more subdued debut, *Lucid News* (2022).
Even at just over half an hour, *Hammer of My Own* feels monumental. The best way to experience it is to sit back and let it wash over you, embracing the emotional wreckage it brings. Check out their most recent singles below:
