New Hampshire Rocks! Robotic Hawks Have Struck Absolute Gold With Latest EP, “New Better Things”

Artwork by David SanAngelo

We recently had the distinct honor and privilege to check out the new EP, “New, Better Things, from Hudson, New Hampshire, alt-rock trio, Robotic Hawks.

You can listen to “New, Better Things “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

The greatest feeling in the world as a music blogger, is when you listen to a new record, and at end throw off the headphones, and shout , “That was freaking amazing!” , this is without question , how we feel about “New, Better Things , from Robotic Hawks

Photo Credit: Drae’ the UnDead

Robotic Hawks, have unleash a new full-throttle, four-track EP titled New, Better Things , today , (Thursday, July 24,) ahead of a live appearance and performance later that tonight ( July 24th) on WaveRadio just over the state line in Lowell, their “drunk” swell of creativity arrived last spring. 

The band had just finished participating in the 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble, and fresh off the release of their All Business EP – whose lead single, “High Maintenance,” was spun as one of The Coolest Songs in the World by Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM – banged out a series of successful live gigs around southern New England. Momentum was on their side, and creativity was flowing.  

We stared at the blank page and kept throwing stuff around until we found our spark,” says vocalist and bassist Tyler Pollard. “We always write together in the same room. If one of us likes something, we stop to explore and develop. These three songs all popped out pretty quickly – but the refinement took several months.”   

The “refinementPollard references was another example of Robotic Hawks Pollard joined, as usual, by Shawn Doherty on guitar and Brian Sturk on drums – stepping out of their comfort zone. The band recorded New, Better Things with Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, Massachusetts, a departure from the practice space self-recordings of prior work, which was then co-produced and mixed by longtime ally and associate Andrew King. The Hawks then took it to be mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie, the iconic producer, engineer, and mixer known for his work with Pixies, Radiohead, Hole, Dinosaur Jr., Juliana Hatfield, Morphine, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and countless others. 

“New, Better Things “ from Robotic Hawks, sounds like a perfectly tuned 1969 MGB roadster, but in record form. We were completely blown away.

In our honest opinion, opening track, “Andale’”, may be Robotic Hawks, at their very best . The sound , the vibe …. Letter perfect.

The record artfully , showcases the band’s pub rock energy, garage-pop smarts, and power-pop urgency over three new original tracks, led by first single “Heartbeat,” a bass-driven number that shines like glass and cuts with the same intensity, and a cover of Crowded House’s 1980s classic “Something So Strong.New Better, Things is teeming with anthemic choruses and sing-along verses, and continues to showcase a band growing more confident in its sonic swagger.  

This EP has all of the standard Robotic Hawks hallmarks, but with more attention to vibe and groove,” Pollard says. “Our mission statement has always been ‘As long as it’s rock and roll, it’s us.’ We always just try to write interesting songs, but this feels more measured and well-paced to reveal the personality of each song. These songs just feel looser, but manage to come across as surefooted.”

Through all the spectacular melodies and perfectly places lyrics throughout “New, Better Things”, what stood out most to our music loving ears, is how “riff-tastic” , “New, Better Things “ is . Every song is chock full of show stopping tasteful guitar goodness that we simply could not get enough of.

Go find your favorite music listening spot, and get lost in the musical goodness of “New, Better Things” from Robotic Hawks.

Robotic Hawks Deliver Perfect , Poetic , Powerful 12 Minutes Of Greatness On New EP “All Business”

Robotic Hawks play The Rock & Roll Rumble on Saturday, April 13

We recently had the distinct honor and privilege to check out the new EPAll Business “ from New Hampshire Power-Pop trio Robotic Hawks .

You can listen to “All Business “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here

From the moment we heard the first track “High Maintenance “ on the new EP “All Business “ we knew we were in for a world class music experience.

Photo credit- Kelly Davidson

“High Maintenance “ is a well crafted anthem that has an infectious melody and vibe that, will have you singing along long after the music has stopped. Robotic Hawks ( Tyler Pollard , vocals/bass , Shawn Doherty, guitars and Brian Sturk,drum) have this one of a kind musical energy that grabs your attention in every song , it is simply stunning.

“Cab Ride” which, is a cover of The Squeaky Fromme’s “Cab Ride,” a song near and dear to Pollard originally penned by his close longtime friend Damien PrattRobotic Hawks have such a unique groove unlike few bands we have heard in quite some time. It is because of this, that each song has so many special “ musical moments” that make the songs so memorable on “All Business “

The song themes on All Business center around the need for self-awareness,” Pollard admits. “Sometimes you have to ask yourself the hard questions, whether you want to or not. Trust yourself before you can trust others. Gotta have faith, right?” 

We were absolutely captivated by every song on “All Business “ however, the one that really stood out to us and made us push repeat again and again is “Further” We listen to a lot of music here at The Whole Kameese ( We’re a music blog it’s what we do) But we can honestly say that “Further” is one of those special songs , that you remember for the rest of your music loving life. Flawless epic rock vocals coupled by an absolutely mesmerizing melodic jaw dropping groove.

So if “All Business “ was just a 3 song EP we would be grateful…… But as luck would have it there is a 4th track and it is straight up phenomenal……. Robotic Hawks deliver a sensational cover of Terence Trent D’Arby’s classic “Wishing Well “ and it is amazing.

Pollard says the Terence Trent D’Arby classic was one of those songs that just connected with him when he was younger, on a level like Paul Simon’s “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”, Asia’s “Heat of the Moment”, or Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.” He calls it a “lightning strike” song for him when it came out, and now he gets to apply the alt-rock treatment to it.  

All Business is positioned well. Robotic Hawks, fresh off being named “Rising Star: New Hampshire” at the 2023 New England Music Awards, are set to perform at the 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble at The Middle East in Cambridge on Saturday, April 13. It marks a long-awaited return to the “World Series of Boston Rock” for Pollard, who in 1999 participated with his band the control group, which also featured Robotic Hawks’ producer Andrew James King

“All Business “ from Robotic Hawks is a collection of songs that we simply couldn’t get enough of.

Brad Marino Absolutely Rocks With New Album “Grin & Bare It”

Art work Glenn Robinson/ photo : Caity Marino

We recently got the opportunity to check out the amazing new record “Grin & Bare It” via Sioux Vinyl and Rum Bar Records from New Hampshire based electrifying singer-songwriter Brad Marino .

You can listen to “Grin & Bare It” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Those of you who are regular readers of The Whole Kameese know that we are not fans of beating around the bush. So with that said , we would like to scream from the mountain top how incredibly awesome the new album Grin & Bare It “ is from Brad Marino

From the first note of “Back Again” – it is crystal clear that Brad Marino has crafted an absolute gem.

Lead single “Lucy” is a fun and addictive track that we couldn’t stop singing even after the music stopped.

When listening to a Brad Marino record it is almost a given that you will find Kurt Baker and Geoff Palmer along for the ride . ( a cool added bonus)

Case in point is the Kurt Baker written “Hung Up” that features Marino on vocals and guitar with Geoff Palmer on acoustic and electric guitar , Kurt Baker on bass and backing vocals. the track also features Kris Rodgers on organ and farfisa

The album was produced by Brad Marino , mixed by Mike Kennerty and mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Brad Marino and has created an absolutely brilliant album with “Grin & Bare It” We think the music of Brad Marino should be required listening for all music fans worldwide.