Chances are you might have heard music from the guys in Hawkboy and not realized it.  This EP is the current manifestation of what has been a long and convulated musical journey for lead vocalist/guitarist Cody Bonnette and drummer Aaron Lunsford.  The duo is formerly of the highly acclaimed group As Cities Burn, which began as a post-hardcore group before transitioning into an ambient indie rock group with progressive influences.  After breaking up in 2009, many sadly thought this would be the last they would hear from the quartet.

Last year, there began to be rumblings of a new project involving Cody Bonnette, along with the drummer.  Early this year, a touring opportunity with Emery arose and Hawkboy was introduced to the masses for the first time.  Last week, a band with uncommon buzz brewing before their debut release finally put out a four song EP.

The EP seems to be a natural progression from As Cities Burn’s final release, Hell or High Water, albeit a more catchy one.  “Two Bit” opens the record with a dancy beat amidst Bonnette repeating lyrics with eschatological vibes (“Caught up in the rapture…vanished right by your side”).  The post-hardcore influence of old largely takes a backseat to experimentation but pokes its head out toward the end of the track.  “Scoundrel” opens with layered vocals reminiscent of Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” and surreal lyrics such as “born to be a wrecking ball”.  The prog-rock influences continue in the melancholy sounding “Mother London” but moreso in “Damnkneesya”, the longest track of the EP, with an As Cities Burn “Come Now Sleep”-esque extended outro.   “Intriguing” would probably be the best word to describe this EP, as it wets fans whistles enough to make them want more but not clarify a solid identity for Hawkboy.  Word on the street is that more music is on the way after their tour with Emery and Oh, Sleeper so time will tell where this project will head.

You can download the EP for free at sponsorseed.com