Concert Recap: Hammer No More the Fingers with The Big Picture

The Big Picture

It was an amazing night complete with stellar live music at the Tir Na Nog this Thursday. First on the stage was The Big Picture, a big cast of all-star local musicians from the NC Triangle music scene. The songs were very interesting to listen to and avant-garde in a sense. One song seemed to be inspired by Ratatat, the next sounded like Flaming Lips, all the while featuring Lost In the Trees-like vocals and harmonies (the entire band singing together). 

Duncan on guitar

Joe Hall on guitar

Headlining was the Durham indie-rock trio, Hammer No More the Fingers. The set started off with Duncan (bass, vocals) playing two songs on a guitar tuned baritone. I was very excited to hear Duncan play guitar, as he has always stuck to the bass. HMNTF played about 8 new songs which was very exciting. This leads me to wonder if a new album is in the works. The new songs had very unique sounds; funky, emotional, even reminiscent of Radiohead at times. Other tunes captured that classic bass-driven HNMTF sound with crisp, soaring harmonies that so many fans desire. Their encore set featured two of my favorites: Vodka Grasshoper and O.R.G.Y. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday night--did I mention it was free?

Finishing an epic set

Upcoming Concert: Hammer No More the Fingers with The Big Picture, Thursday, March 1st

Joe Hall on guitar, Duncan Webster on bass

Raleigh is in for quite a treat on Thursday. Hammer No More the Fingers, the indie-punk/pop/rock trio from Durham, N.C. is headlining Tir Na Nog Irish Pub's weekly Local Band, Local Beer Night.

 Jeff Stickley on drums

HNTF has been rocking the Triangle for years and just recently released their third and most polished album last year. Their sound is unique and tricky to describe, as even they admit. Some critics call them emotional rock, without being emo. For me, Weezer comes to mind as a major influence (see Vodka Grasshopper). The songs are short and catchy, with melodies and choruses sure to have you on your feet, moving to thumping bass-lines and up-beat drumming.

The Big Picture

The Big Picture is opening up for HNMTF and I can't wait to hear them, as they feature a mix of some of the bigger names in the Triangle music scene (Johnny and Joah Tunnell of The Never, Nick Radford of The Annuals, Leah Gibson of Lost in the Trees). They're described as experimental pop, at times reminiscent of The Arcade Fire. Come enjoy a local brew and some awesome local music this Thursday at 10 p.m.!


Hammer No More the Fingers - Shark (Black Shark, 2011)
Hammer No More the Fingers - Radiation (Looking for Bruce, 2009)