(Rough Trade/Remote Control)

There’s nothing junior about this album

For all the readers out there who do not understand Spanish, let me teach you a little something – Como Te Lllama? the title of Hammond’s second solo album translates into English as ‘What is your name?’ Can anyone see the irony here? The use of it in the title works well, because not only is his name synonymous with New York’s The Strokes, but with this, his second solo album, he has made sure that it will not be forgotten any time soon. Como Te Llama? is a raw, reflective canvas that Hammond paints upon with all the passion he can muster. There’s nothing really new on this album theoretically: you’ve got rock songs, groovy songs, instrumental tracks and power ballads. Sounds just like the palette used by everybody’s favourite band, right? What I like most of all about this album is Hammond’s talent in adding a little bit of signature brushstrokes and colour to each song. Because of this feat, he pulls off the songs with aplomb rather than in a self-indulgent manner. Lead single GFC is a cracker – it leaps out with all the grit of an alley cat. Spooky Couch is a meditative piece powered by special guest Sean Lennon’s keyboard melody. Hammond’s voice brings to mind Canadian indie outfit the Arcade Fire and older artists such as David Bowie. It suits the dusty, weathered feel that his production skills have created within Como Te Llama? If you like traditional masterpieces with a modernised twist, this album is not far off the mark.

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LINDSEY CUTHBERTSON

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