Hawke The Band are an up-and-coming Irish pop rock band, based in London. Having appeared on the Imelda May Christmas Special on Sky Arts, their profile is on the rise, particularly following their January single, Proposal.
With Doctor, the group are back with their latest single, and in comparison to Proposal, it bristles with a kind of frenetic energy. Crisp, steely guitars and punchy percussions create a feeling of momentum, as the band tell a story of love turned sour. The verse ruminates and reflects, with the bridge, in particular, asking questions… “How does it feel? I didn’t notice”. It is the jangly, upbeat chorus that makes Doctor soar, however. Rolling drums and earnest vocals fly, as the singer asks, “If I walked away, would you let me go?”
Describing the song’s inspiration, the group describe the song’s name as coming for the automatically tagged location for the vocal recordings. Whilst these were actually taken in band member Richie’s apartment, the device they recorded them on picked up on the fact the location used to be a doctor’s office, and so the concept ended up woven into the song.
The song is sung from the perspective of a patient, of a relationship that somewhat resembles a mutated version of the drama triangle concept. Chasing love, reassurance, and support, the patient here leans on their lover, yet they realise that person may not be as invested in their happiness as they thought. This is turn becomes an almost cyclical and addictive cycle, represented by the high of the chorus and the questioning outlined in the verse:
‘The “doctor” is a metaphor for a dangerous lover who, while we know the consequences and potential heartbreak associated, we can’t help but be intrigued and want more. The uplifting chorus portrays the high of the drug being prescribed (love) while the lyrics talk about the harsh reality and underlying worry felt by the patient.’
The overall song has all the energy and excitement, but also uncertainty and doubt, of a questionable relationship.
