Choochtown

HAMELL ON TRIAL's Choochtown is a rollicking rollercoaster of an album, blending punk rock attitude with folk storytelling in a way that only Ed Hamell can. From the moment "Blood of the Wolf" kicks in with its raw energy and powerhouse vocals, you know you're in for a wild ride. Hamell's lyrics are as cutting as ever, with tracks like "Happiest Man in the World" and "Choochtown" painting vivid pictures of life on the outskirts of society. His acerbic wit is on full display throughout, taking aim at everything from politics to pop culture with unapologetic ferocity. Musically, Choochtown is a diverse offering, with tracks like "The More You Know" showcasing Hamell's fingerpicking skills, while "Big as Life" channels a punk energy that will have you pogoing around your living room in no time. But it's not all high-energy anthems; tracks like "When Bobby Comes Down" and "Inquiring Minds" show a softer, more introspective side to Hamell's songwriting, proving that he's more than just a one-trick pony. In short, Choochtown is a tour de force from one of the most underrated songwriters of our time. If you're a fan of music that's raw, honest, and unapologetically real, do yourself a favour and give this album a spin. You won't regret it.