Hawktail Returns with “Formations”

Hawktail has released their second album, called Formations. The all-instrumental acoustic band is comprised of mandolinist Dominick Leslie, fiddler Brittany Haas, guitarist Jordan Tice, and bassist Paul Kowert, who also plays for The Punch Brothers. Unlike their previous effort, Unless, the album came together quickly with two months of writing and just four days in the studio.

“We had studio dates to record a quick EP of covers, arrangements we’d been playing live,” said Kowert, “But we had these strong starts that felt so good that we were like ‘let’s finish THESE instead.”

Co-produced by fellow Punch Brother Chris Eldridge, the album challenges the traditional genres you might hear with this instrumentation. Rich harmony, unexpected melodies, and fresh forms help to make the seven-song collection a vibrant experience. Kowert also pushes the role of the bass, often taking the lead with both the bow and his fingers. Check out his work on “Annbjørg,” which the band describes as a “Scandinavian-tinged choose-your-own-adventure tune.”

Formations is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3). Hawktail will be on tour in support of the album through the spring.

Formations Track List:

1. Annbjørg
2. Last One on the Line
3. Dandelion
4. The Tobogganist
5. Eddie’s Attic
6. Padiddle
7. One Hour in Hungary

Hawktail Tour Dates: