Hank Wangford & Noel Dashwood Promises Promises

In the fusion of Hank Wangford's established legacy in the British alternative Country music scene with the unmatched skills of Noel Dashwood on the dobro, we witness a duo album that promises both originality and authenticity.

"PROMISES PROMISES" offers a live studio recording experience, encapsulating the raw spirit of classic Country and Americana. The instrumentation is as straightforward as it is evocative: Hank's guitar and ukulele harmonizing with Noel's bass ukulele, dobro, and harmonica.

For those unfamiliar, the dobro is a resonator guitar played horizontally with a slide bar, reminiscent of the Hawaiian style. This association with Hawaiian music sets a unique undertone for the album. And, as Hank and Noel delve into the lesser-known influence of Hawaiian sounds on Country music, it's clear that they're both paying homage to a rich musical lineage while also making it their own.

Divided into two thematic halves, the album first takes us on a rhythmic journey with Toetappers. Songs touch upon contemporary themes such as the fossil fuel crisis in "Oil" and the various lockdowns (both mental and societal) in "Jump In A River", reflecting the shared global experiences of recent times. "Simple Pleasures", as the name suggests, is a melody rooted in the universal desire for life's unadulterated joys.

The second half, aptly named Heartbreakers, is a melodious voyage into the more melancholic side of Country music. It weaves tales of deception, lost love, betrayal, unquenched thirsts, and inevitably, broken promises. The track "Something In The Air" ponders existential questions about the existence of a higher power.

Beyond the album's undeniable musicality, it stands as a reverent nod to Country's classics, a sentiment inspired by Hank's personal interactions with the late Gram Parsons, a pivotal figure in the history of Country music.

For any aficionado of true, soulful Country and Americana, "PROMISES PROMISES" by Hank Wangford & Noel Dashwood is an essential listen. It's an album that not only respects its roots but is also unafraid to challenge and evolve them.