REVIEW: Molly Hanmer — Sick of Me (SINGLE)
“Sick of Me” is the first single from Molly Hanmer and the Midnight Tokers’ forthcoming sophomore release Get Loose. Fans of her and the band’s 2018 debut Stuck in a Daydream may be a little taken aback by her pivot from Americana musical themes into this punk music influenced cut. It’s a brash, individualistic, and uncompromising guitar workout. It’s also an intensely personal statement from a place of immense discontent. Even those who don’t like this track or find flaws will be forced to confess that, if nothing else, listeners are treated to a vigorous and unvarnished expression of self-ripped out of Hanmer’s heart.
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Anyone who loves hard-charging guitar will flock to songs such as this. Hanmer and lead guitarist Mickey Madden are a dynamite tandem who never need useless six string histrionics to get your attention. They play a very meat and potatoes style during this track, never Neanderthal but never unnecessarily cluttered, but Madden’s solo in the second half of the song has some short moments of flash that never sound out of place. The guitar work will be the musical highlight for many, without a doubt, but there’s more driving this song.
Keith Palmer’s drumming doesn’t miss a beat and his partner in crime, bassist Alan Hampton, strengthens the song’s sturdy spine. The foundation they provide for the track makes all things possible; it gives the cut its necessary lynchpin for whatever success it enjoys. Producer/engineer Sheldon Gomberg’s contributions to “Sick of Me” repeat the success he experienced in a similar role during the recording of Stuck in a Daydream. He captures the rhythm section with the same vivid clarity that the guitar attack has, and the cut’s sonic attributes generate a great deal of force.
The lyrical content minces few words. It has every bit of the same economy and laser-focus present in the musical arrangement. Hanmer wanted to write about an assortment of negative emotions and experiences she’s endured during the lockdown and pandemic and does so without ever falling into cliché. There’s nothing maudlin about this song either. When Hanmer sings about being sick of herself, you believe every syllable and she’s chosen punchy language to convey her point that complements the music. This isn’t a tune pandering for listeners’ attention but, instead, one that expresses its heart and brings listeners along for the ride. It’s a wonderful ride from beginning to end.
It’s a safe bet that the remainder of the upcoming release will measure up to the level she and the Midnight Tokers reach here. “Sick of Me”, however, is an on point pick for kicking off this album and the firepower they bring to bear will impress even the most jaded of listeners. It rages and flames with its own identity and, even if it is pouring old wine into new bottles musically, they’ve concocted a vintage sure to linger in your mind long after the final notes fade away. The last two years deserve this sort of song and Hanmer and her co-author Claudia Miles have captured the angst of this era.
Colin Jordan
