Savage Hands Emerge From Being At Rock Bottom

By Phil Hawkins

In early 2020 when the pandemic shut down the majority of the world those in the music business were left with the collective question, “How do we keep going without the ability to tour?” For Savage Hands they had their full US tour cancelled midway through. However, where some might have been discouraged by such a life altering blow the band went straight to the studio to begin recording their latest EP, Rock Bottom.

Vocalist Michael Garrow states “ When people read the word “rock bottom” they typically associate it with something that’s super negative. In this sense we’re using it as if it’s just where we come from. We come from a low point in the industry, as everyone else does… and we want to make it known that we’re proud of where we came from.” The band has truly taken the time during the pandemic to make the best of a bad situation.

Rock Bottom opens with “Angel Dust” and feels like it could be plucked right out of the early 2000s. There is a solid sense of nostalgia, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for an opening track feels almost too nostalgic and lacks the hook to really draw the listener in. The flaw is more on placement than production. “Black Clouds” follows and might have been a better opener in place of “Angel Dust.” “Black Clouds” carries some serious guitar riffage that makes it stand out a bit more while still having a slight nostalgic feel.

“Rock Bottom” is probably the best, albeit shortest, track on the EP. The opening hook and vocalizing give it a depth and freshness that make it a remarkably repeat worthy track. It’s brief runtime is the only flaw, but it utilizes every bit of the short runtime to the fullest potential with a natural ebb and flow. “Halo” takes a slightly different approach and throw an acoustic guitar in to the mix early in. The utilization of the acoustic accent gives the track an atmospheric complexity that blends well with the lyrical context. Again, the track feels short on the runtime, but there is so much going on within such a short construct that you almost don’t realize that it is as short as it really is. “Smile” closes out the EP, but there is something about it that feels almost out of place in comparison to the rest of the EP. It is a solid track but seems to lack the density that is found on the other tracks on the album almost like it might have been a b-side of sorts.

Overall, Rock Bottom is well worth the time spent regardless of how short it may be/seem as the less than 15 minute total runtime is the only real pitfall. It is a solid approach and carries a rich early 2000s vibe that doesn’t feel stale or overdone.

Rock Bottom is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms.

Catch Savage Hands on select dates supporting Attack Attack on The Dark Waves Tour.