Hammock – Konetic
Label: Self-Release
Style: Ambient Rock, Alternative
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Unwed Sailor, Explosions In The Sky


“This is music that you will hear in heaven.” A fan of Hammock’s was quoted describing what they sounded like. I would have to agree. Mark Byrd and Andrew Thompson create introspective, gentle soundscapes that invites the listener to come into the presence of something bigger than life. All sixteen songs are instrumentals (there are a few vocal pieces finely delivered by Mrs. Christine Glass-Byrd) and all sixteen songs are the epitome of what sacred music should be: unpretentious, straight from the heart and directed to the Creator above. You get a sense that Hammock wasn’t trying to make a record to be different, or sell a bunch of units, rather they were doing what the title of the album implies. Kenotic is derived from the Greek word kenosis which translates to mean to empty. Byrd and Thompson have emptied themselves, poured their talent into a release that is sure to inspire one to commune with God above. “Before the Celebration” is the lead off track, it serves as a modern call to worship. Removing the stuffiness that plagues most churches today and infusing their own brand of adoration to the living King. With this debut release I feel refreshed by Hammock they have chosen to make honest music which is in direct contrast to most groups today that are content with trying to impress anyone or being uber-cool to fit in a particular scene. Bravo Hammock!


Reviewed by: Aaron