Hank Dogs, this unusual trio, formed in 1992 in south London, have had a remarkable connection with large swaths of the acoustic indie scene in America, (particularly the Northwest and the Delaware Valley). Producer Joe Boyd said they remind him of the chills he got when he first heard Nick Drake’s demos 30 years earlier. That’s why he signed them to Hannibal.
On Half Smile (2002), they list four members, though one of them is not old enough to play in the band yet, so she is listed as “love and inspiration.” The members are sometimes assiduous about not revealing their surnames. Andy Allen, who is reputed to have briefly been a member of the Sex Pistols after the death of Sid Vicious, is one of the two guitarists and songwriters. A woman named Piano Place is the main lead vocalist and also plays the guitar, accordion and percussion. Piano was married to Andy. The other playing member is Lily Ramona, who is the daughter of Andy by another previous marriage. Lily sings and plays drums and other incidental instruments. Dixie, the one who is just there in the group photos, but does not play, is the daughter of Andy and Piano.
Their previous release is Bareback (1999).| |
