Streets of Hastings bills themselves as “just a drinkin’ band with a little rock n’ roll problem”. As a result, I was ridiculously drunk when I reviewed their debut album, Three Streets to the Wind. Actually, I was 100% sober while I listened to the album, but I can tell you, I very much enjoyed their 11-track album.
Streets of Hastings is a three-man band, with Phil Alexander on lead vocals and guitar, Jason “Trucker” Bedard on bass, and Larry “Peyts” Peyton on the drums, bodhran, and rubboard. Yes, I had to look those last two things up; basically, they’re Irish percussion instruments. Their music is mainly a fusion of rock and Celtic punk, but fortunately that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about the sound of their music.
Yes, they do have a few songs that sound like your “traditional” Celtic punk outfit, but I think that it’s the songs that don’t conform to that standard formula that are their best. I also find that with any Celtic punk band, a lot of what makes any particular song good is what the band members bring to their craft. Streets of Hastings are definitely excellent musicians, and you can hear some awesome guitar solos throughout the album.
I also really liked the drums throughout each track, so kudos Peyts for keeping a steady beat to keep the other guys in line.
I was searching around their website, and they make mention that they’re a band best seen live – and I completely agree. While listening to Three Streets to the Wind, I couldn’t help but feel I was listening to a live set. They seem to have unbelievable energy, and I could just picture them drenched in sweat as they move from song to song (insert joke about me imagining three sweaty men here).
Speaking of seeing them at a live show, the band will be playing in home town Ottawa at the Avant-Garde bar on March 23rd, 2012. I will be checking it out and doing a show review – and from the sounds of things, it will be a very energetic night.
In the meantime, you can pick up Three Streets to the Wind on March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day! Details are at their website. They’re currently offering a free preview of their track “Sea Bag (La, La, La)” on their audio page.
Streets of Hastings Official Website
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