The Curse of K.K. Hammond – The Ballad Of Lampshade Ed (2022)
Meld slide guitar with horror themes and you have quite a unique, gritty and heart-stopping sound – this is The Curse of K.K. Hammond. Taking an interest in the guitar during her youth, singer-songwriter K.K. Hammond explored various styles, genres, and even landed up travelling around the USA to explore the culture behind Americana and blues. Now residing in Buckinghamshire, UK, the self-proclaimed hermit uses the wilderness around her home as inspiration for her music. The latest addition to her well-received discography is the single ‘The Ballad Of Lampshade Ed’.
Preceding her upcoming album Death Roll Blues, ‘The Ballad Of Lampshade Ed’ is an “unholy matrimony of horror and slide guitar…” A collaborative track with David & The Devil (who is proud to claim Jason Momoa as a fan – yes, that Jason Momoa!), ‘The Ballad Of Lampshade Ed’ follows her gritty single ‘Devil’s Kin Blues’. Retaining a grittiness of its own, the new single tinges old-school blues with elements of folk-rock and 90s alternative rock. Interestingly enough, while there is a soothing, laidback blues vibe to this ballad, there is an uneasy melancholy and fearful quality existing in its melody.
Just as the melody can hold its own as an independent arrangement, the mastery of K.K. Hammond’s poetic lyricism and obscure vocals make ‘The Ballad Of Lampshade Ed’ a musical masterpiece. As I said, there is a chilled-out vibe to the song, but a discomfort exists in the obscurity of Hammond’s performance. I would say a reminiscence exists between her and Amanda Palmer, but the richness and warmth of Hammond’s dulcet tones (however spooky they are) create a sound that is entirely K.K. Hammond.
For more from The Curse of K.K. Hammond check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
