Hadnot Creek is the namesake for Charlottesville VA, prolific singer-songwriter, Robert Sawrey and a revolving cast of longtime members and guests including Zach Samel, Ben Laderberg (Kendall Street Company), Lee and Tyler Sargent (formerly of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Sophia Gainsley, Colin Lagenus (USA is a Monster & Second Dinner) Austin Patterson (formerly of Erin and Wildfire) and Jimmy Williams. They’ve recorded five albums since 2018. The fifth, Leaving, was released on June 20th.
“I’m Afraid” is the expressive and poetic highlight from Sawrey’s latest rootsy soiree with his Hadnot Creek band. There is an enticing sonic conflict at the heart of this performance, as cartoonish and off-kilter vocals attempt to find their melodic footing amongst sleek guitar tones and jangly rhythms. Thankfully, this conflict is never fully resolved, and therein lies the magic of “I’m Afraid.” Sawrey and his band strike a delicate balance between tradition and personal approach, creating a modern yet familiar, twangy rock tune. It isn’t all subtle experimentation that yields great rewards on “I’m Afraid.” Lyrically, Sawrey paints a bleak portrait with raw vulnerability, detailing someone who seems to be reaching a breaking point and essentially losing all hope. This creates yet another juxtaposition, making “I’m Afraid” an undeniably personal portrait of a prolific artist attempting to make sense of it all.
