Most of you will know Hammond as the guitar player for The Strokes, which I’m aware means many things to a lot of people.
I am not one of those people.
Not because I have anything against The Strokes or their music, but only because I’m not familiar enough with their catalog to have an opinion on the topic. Now, Albert Hammond Jr., and his third solo album, Momentary Masters, I have plenty of opinions about. In fact, I’ve spent more time with the first song here, “Born Slippy,” than I have with every tune by The Strokes combined.
And speaking of that first song, well, if you’re not a fan of it, you may as well stop listening, as it encapsulates all the finest moments of Hammond’s song craft into one memorable and melodic mash of alt-rock, indie pop and New Wave fun that parallels the best work achieved by Ted Leo. Elsewhere, Hammond tips his hat to the ’80s with the sleek “Power Hungry,” and then gets beat and key friendly with “Razor’s Edge” and “Drunched In Crumbs.”
Right in the middle is a Bob Dylan cover, one that was famously done by Mike Ness (well, famous in punk circles, right?). While Ness took the honky tonk route on his version of “Don’t Think Twice,” Hammond goes indie pop with a danceable beat and fuzzy guitars. While it initially pales in comparison to Ness’ version, repeated listens yield a playful and fun interpretation of a classic farewell.
As to be expected from a guitar player, the riffs here are both timeless and well placed. While Hammond employs synth as well, sometimes in spades, most of this album unfolds like punk tinged garage rock with feeling, as well as the occasional slower moment, such as “Coming To Getcha.” The nearest I can tell that he edges close to his work with The Strokes is on the jumpy and upbeat “Side Boob,” which isn’t nearly as adolescent as it seems.
Side projects among popular rock bands are so common now, it’s almost expected that each outfit has a couple members pursuing them. Hell, there’s even side project of side projects. If Albert Hammond Jr. solo is as good as the work fleshed out by The Strokes, then I’m really depriving myself of some great music.
